Pod and dispensing method

ABSTRACT

A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod comprises a body defining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient, said body comprising a dispensing side and a closed side, and at least one side wall extending from the closed side to the dispensing side; and an actuation member contained within said cavity. The actuation member is configured to cause an opening to be formed between said cavity and a region outside the pod when actuated. The opening is formed around a perimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod at a junction formed between the at least one side wall and the dispensing surface, the dispensing surface being provided at the dispensing side of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 1817948.1,filed Nov. 2, 2018; GB Patent Application No. 1817946.5, filed Nov. 2,2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/622,225, filed Jan.26, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pod and dispensing method. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a pod containing abeverage preparation ingredient, a dispensing apparatus for dispensingthe ingredient contained in such a pod, and a method of dispensing theingredient contained in such a pod.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known to provide beverage preparation systems in whichsingle servings of a powder or liquid (e.g. syrup) are provided in asuitable container or capsule. During preparation, water (either hot orcold) is typically introduced into the container via an opening, andcaused to mix with the powder or liquid, before a dissolved drink, or insome cases a dispersion, exits the container via another opening. Inthis way, the drink ingredients are combined with the water inside thecapsule, before being dispensed into a drinking vessel.

In such existing beverage preparation systems, once a beverage has beenprepared, the used capsule must be removed or ejected from the system,so as to enable a subsequent beverage to be prepared. The used capsulemay contain residual beverage preparation ingredients, and possibly aresidue of the prepared drink. As such, the used capsule may be wet, andpossibly sticky, making handling and/or disposal more complex than ifthe capsule were dry and clean.

Further, the incomplete emptying of capsules may result in a reductionin beverage preparation quality. In particular, where single drinkservings are to be prepared, a precisely controlled quantity of abeverage preparation ingredient may be provided within a pre-preparedand pre-sealed capsule. However, if some (possibly variable) portion ofthis ingredient remains in the capsule after dispensing, the quantity ofingredients provided within the drink serving will inevitably bereduced, potentially affecting drink quality (e.g. flavour/nutrientbalance).

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved beveragepreparation system and/or a system which overcomes or at least mitigatesone or more problems associated with existing beverage preparationsystems, whether identified herein or otherwise.

In aspects of the invention there is provided a pod for storing anddispensing a beverage preparation ingredient, the pod comprising a bodydefining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient; andan actuation member contained within said cavity. The actuation memberis configured to cause an opening to be formed between said cavity and aregion outside the pod when actuated. The beverage preparationingredient stored within the cavity is released from the cavity via saidopening during a dispensing operation.

The use of an actuation member which is contained within the pod allowsthe complete evacuation of the pod without any external componentpenetrating the pod, thereby ensuring that there are no externalpenetrating components which need to be cleaned between dispensingoperations, or which could cause cross-contamination between successivedispensing cycles. Thus, the internal actuation member provides aconvenient opening mechanism, which limits the extent to which externalcomponents need to be cleaned for re-use, thereby reducing the use ofwater during cleaning procedures.

It will also be understood that the provision of beverages, especiallynutrient rich health beverages can reduce the number of single-useplastic bottles used to provide health drinks. Indeed, a pod may containapproximately 10 percent of the plastic content of a plastic waterbottle. As such, a reduction in the volume of waste plastic of around90% can be achieved. Additionally, the avoidance of pre-bottled drinksreduces the volume of water needing to be transported by road (or otherforms of over-land transport). Rather, water can be provided to theapparatus from a mains water supply (e.g. via a tap, or by the apparatusbeing connected directly to the supply). In all of these ways, aspectsof the present invention (which may incorporate pods and a dispensingapparatus) provide an environmentally friendly alternative topre-bottled drinks.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a pod forstoring and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during adispensing operation. The pod comprises a body defining a cavity forstoring the beverage preparation ingredient; and an actuation membercontained within said cavity. The actuation member is configured tocause an opening to be formed between said cavity and a region outsidethe pod when actuated. The opening is formed around a perimeter of adispensing surface of the pod.

By providing the opening around the perimeter of the dispensing surfaceof the pod, the efficacy of ingredient release can be improved. Inparticular, ingredients contained within the pod may be caused to beurged towards the perimeter by rotation of the pod, and will thereforebe caused to move towards and through the opening which is providedaround the perimeter. Of course, the opening is not required to beprecisely at the perimeter. For example, the opening may be generallyaround the outer edge of the surface, but may be within a rim of the podbody (and therefore the thickness of the rim within the perimeter).

Pod is used herein to refer to a container or capsule which is arrangedto store and dispense a beverage preparation ingredient.

Said body may comprise a dispensing side and a closed side. At least oneside wall may extend from the closed side to the dispensing side.

Said opening may be formed at a junction formed between the at least oneside wall and the dispensing surface, the dispensing surface beingprovided at the dispensing side of the body.

Said opening may be formed around an internal perimeter of the side wallat the dispensing side.

By a junction formed between the at least one side wall and thedispensing surface, it is meant a change in direction of the surfacedefined by the side and the dispensing surface. For example, the wherethe pod is circular in cross section, a circular film (i.e. thedispensing surface) may be affixed to a single curved side wall. Theopening may be formed at the point at which the film is joined to theside wall (before the opening has been formed, that is). By providing anopening in this location (i.e. around the internal perimeter of the sidewall at the dispensing side), it is possible to provide effectiveingredient dispensing without the need to flush the pod with fluid (e.g.liquid or pressurised air).

It will be understood that this is distinct from a pod in which a fixedbase is provided which has a junction with a side wall, and in which anopening is formed elsewhere (e.g. an aperture which is formed within thebase, away from the sidewall-base junction). In such an arrangement, theingredient would be likely to become trapped in the corner formed byjunction between the base and the side wall unless the pod was flushedwith a fluid during dispensing.

The width of the opening may be at least as large as the width of thecavity adjacent to the opening, the width of the cavity being defined bythe least one side wall. That is, rather than providing a relativelysmall opening into a larger cavity, by providing an opening which is atleast as wide as the cavity, the likelihood of the ingredients becomingtrapped, rather than dispensed, is reduced. The width of the openingand/or cavity may be a diameter.

The width of the cavity in a region adjacent to the opening may beconstant or may increase towards the opening. On the other hand, ifwidth decreased towards the opening, the ingredient could become stuckwithin cavity during dispensing, rather than being allowed to flowoutwards. This is especially true where the pod is intended to berotated during a dispensing operation.

The dispensing side may have a first diameter and the closed side mayhave a second diameter, the second diameter being less than the firstdiameter. The diameter of the cavity may gradually increase from theclosed side to the open side.

In this way, the at least one side wall may be tapered such that thewall slopes outwards from the closed side to the dispensing side. Such aslope may reduce the extent to which the ingredient within the pod canbecome trapped, since the wall slopes outwards towards the opening,allowing the ingredient to be directed towards the opening when the podis rotated.

The pod may be generally rotationally symmetrical about an axis ofrotation, the at least one side wall comprising a curved surfacedisposed around the axis of rotation. The closed side and the dispensingside may be spaced apart along the axis of rotation.

A path may be defined along an internal surface of the at least one sidewall from the closed side to the dispensing side. The at least one sidewall may be configured such that the shortest distance between the pathand the axis of rotation gradually increases from the closed side to thedispensing side. The shortest distance may monotonically increase fromthe closed side to the dispensing side.

The path may be free from interruptions. That is, rather than any kindof interruption (e.g. a rib, ridge or other reduction in diameter) tothe flow of material from the cavity to the region outside the pod, byproviding an uninterrupted path it is possible to improve the efficacyof ingredient dispensing.

The opening may be formed around the entire perimeter of the side wall.In this way, a complete opening may be formed, rather than having anopening provided at one region around the perimeter of the dispensingside and not another. This further reduces the opportunity foringredients to become trapped (e.g. by parts of a closure film whichremains connected to the side walls in places).

The pod may be configured to be rotated during said dispensing operationso as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient stored within thecavity to be released from the cavity via said opening.

By configuring the pod and opening such that the ingredient is caused tobe released by rotation, it is possible to avoid the need for beverageingredients to be washed or rinsed from the pod by water during adispensing operation, as is typically the case with known pod-basedbeverage preparation systems. That is, the beverage preparationingredient can be released without a liquid being required to bedirected into the cavity. In particular, centrifugal forces can be usedto urge the ingredients from the cavity through the opening, avoidingthe need for the ingredients to be carried out by a fluid such as water.

If water is required to be provided within the cavity, it is possiblethat dry ingredients (e.g. powders) may initially become sticky and/orform clumps, and may stick to the cavity walls, rather than beingreleased. Significant volumes of water may be required to flush or rinsethe cavity. Such difficulties can be avoided by the present invention.

The pod may comprise a central axis. The body may define a surface ofrevolution about said axis. During dispensing, the pod may be caused torotate about said axis.

During dispensing, the pod may be caused to rotate at a predeterminedrotation speed. The rotation speed may, for example be in the region of200-600 revolutions per minute. The pod may be caused to rotate at leasta minimum predetermined rotation speed. The minimum predeterminedrotation speed may, for example, be around 200 revolutions per minute. Aminimum speed may be preferred so as to ensure that the ingredientwithin the pod is urged towards and out of the opening by centrifugalforces created by the rotation.

The opening may be formed in a base of the pod. The base may comprise agenerally planar surface disposed at the bottom of the pod during adispensing operation. The base may be referred to as the dispensingsurface. When the opening is formed in the base during a dispensingoperation, gravity will cause the ingredients to fall towards the base,and through the opening.

The cavity may remain sealed during a dispensing operation except forthe opening or openings formed by the actuation member. That is, theactuation member which is provided within the cavity may be the onlycomponent to form an opening, with the remainder of the cavity walls(e.g. the body of the pod) remaining un-compromised.

Said opening may provide a direct path from within the cavity to aregion outside the pod. By providing a direct path from the cavity tothe region outside the cavity, it is possible to provide an efficientrelease path for ingredients, without requiring the ingredients tofollow a complicated (i.e. in-direct) fluid flow path to be released. Inthis way, gravity, and/or centrifugal forces can be used to urge theingredients from the cavity towards the outside region, avoiding theneed for the ingredients to be carried out by a fluid such as water.

By direct path it may be meant a straight line path, which does not passaround corners, and/or which does not pass through intermediatematerials (e.g. filters or membranes).

Said body may comprise a dispensing side and a closed side, the podfurther comprises a closing member for closing said dispensing side,thereby sealing said cavity.

The closing member may be caused to seal the cavity during manufacture,so as to seal the ingredient within the pod until it is to be releasedin a dispensing operation.

The dispensing side may be referred to as an open side. The closingmember may comprise a film defining the dispensing surface.

At least a portion of the closed side and at least a portion of thedispensing side may be separated in a direction parallel to the axis bya distance defining a depth of the pod.

The body may comprise a top region defining the closed side, and atleast one wall, extending from the closed side to the dispensing side.

The base may have a first diameter and the closed side may have a seconddiameter, the second diameter being less than the first diameter. Inthis way, the at least one wall may be tapered such that the wall slopesoutwards from the closed side to the base.

Such a slope may reduce the extent to which the ingredient within thepod can become trapped, since the wall slopes outwards towards theopening, allowing the ingredient to be directed towards the opening whenthe pod is rotated.

The body may comprise a sealing rim extending around a perimeter of thedispensing side, the closing member being sealed to the sealing rim.

The sealing rim may comprise a portion of the at least one wall. Thesealing rim may comprise a thickened end portion of the at least onewall.

The actuation member may be configured to engage with said closingmember to form said opening when actuated.

The actuation member may be configured to press against the closingmember during said dispensing operation.

The actuation member may be configured to peel the closing member awayfrom the body, thereby forming the opening. The actuation member may beconfigured to pierce the closing member, so as to cause a portion of theclosing member to be separated from a portion of the closing memberwhich is sealed to the body, thereby forming the opening.

The body may further comprise a sealing region disposed towards thecentre of the dispensing side, the closing member being sealed to thesealing region.

By providing a primary sealing region (i.e. the perimetrical sealingrim) and a secondary sealing region (i.e. the sealing region), it ispossible to cause one sealing region to become opened (e.g. by peelingor piercing around the sealing rim), while the other of the sealingregions remains sealed. In this way, the ingredients contained withinthe cavity can be released, while the closing member (e.g. film) canremain attached to the pod body, so as to prevent it falling away fromthe pod, and potentially interfering with subsequent processing.

The sealing region need not be strictly at the centre of the dispensingside. Rather the sealing region may be provided at any part of thedispensing side which is disposed away from and within the perimeter.Conveniently, the central sealing region may comprise a generallycircular sealing surface provide around the centre of the dispensingsurface (but which may, for example, not extend across the centre of thedispensing surface.

The sealing region and the sealing rim may be in a common plane. Thus,when sealed by a film, the film which is sealed to the sealing rim andthe sealing region may lie substantially in said plane and may define adispensing surface.

The body may be configured to flex during said dispensing operation soas to cause the actuation member to form the opening.

The pod may be configured to flex, or deform, elastically, so as toreturn to its original shape when the actuating force is removed.

The actuation member comprises a separator. The separator may be formedas a separate component from the body. During a dispensing operation,the separator may be configured to cause at least portion of the closingmember to be separated from the body, thereby forming the opening. Theseparator may be configured to cause a part (but not all) of the closingmember to be separated from the sealing rim of the body (e.g. bypiercing, penetrating, shearing, or tearing the closing member), or tocause substantially all of the closing member to be separated from thesealing rim of the body (e.g. by peeling the closing member away fromthe sealing rim).

The separator may comprise a hub and a pusher region disposed around andextending away from the hub.

The hub may be generally cylindrical, the pusher region being attachedaround the circumference of the hub, and extending radially away fromthe hub. The pusher region may also extend in a direction parallel to anaxis of the cylindrical hub. The pusher region may be generallycone-shaped. The pusher region may extend from the hub towards thedispensing surface (e.g. the base) of the pod.

The pusher region may comprise a single conical surface, or may comprisea plurality of flat or curved surfaces which together generally define aconical shape. The pusher region may comprise a plurality of ribsextending radially away from the hub. The ribs may support peeling orpiercing plates disposed at an end of the rib away from the hub.

A perimeter of the pusher region (i.e. the edge of the pusher regionfurthest from the hub) may be configured, in use, to press against theclosing member, so as to urge the closing member in a direction awayfrom the body.

The sloping pod side walls may also assist the opening of the pod, sincethe sloping walls will guide the actuation member towards the closingmember. A chamfered region may be provided around the internal edge ofthe sealing rim, so as to guide the pusher region towards the closingmember, focusing forces transmitted through the pusher region towardsthe junction between the closing member and the body, so as to causeefficient peeling or piercing of the closing member.

The pod may comprise an actuator engagement region for engagement with acorresponding actuator of a dispensing system.

The actuator engagement region may be provided in the closed side of thepod. The actuator engagement region may comprise a concave regionconfigured to receive a correspondingly shaped actuator.

The actuator engagement region may be provided generally centrally withrespect to said body (i.e. generally centrally with respect to saidaxis). The actuator engagement region may comprise a channel passingfrom the closed side to the dispensing side.

The channel may be generally conical, having a first diameter at theclosed side and a second (smaller) diameter at the dispensing side. Thechannel may be concentric with said axis.

The actuator engagement region may comprise a channel wall, extendingfrom the closed side to the dispensing side. The (secondary) sealingregion may comprise a thickened portion of the channel wall.

During said dispensing operation the body may be caused to flex when theactuator is engaged with said actuator engagement region and moved alongthe axis towards the dispensing surface.

The actuation member may be configured to press against the closingmember during said dispensing operation when said actuator is movedtowards said dispensing surface.

The actuator engagement region may be configured to engage with theactuation portion hub so as to cause the pusher region to press againstthe film so as to cause said opening to be formed.

The pod may comprise a mounting region for engagement with acorresponding pod support region of a dispensing apparatus.

The mounting region may comprise a rim of said body, and a flangedisposed around an external surface of the rim, offset from thedispensing surface. The mounting region may permit the pod to besecurely held in the dispensing apparatus during a dispensing operation.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a methodfor dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient from a pod according tothe first aspect of the invention. The method comprises providing a podat a pod support location, applying an actuation force to an actuatorengagement region of the pod to cause the opening to be formed in thepod, and rotating the pod. The method may further comprise providing aliquid to be mixed with said released beverage preparation ingredient.

There is also provided a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beveragepreparation ingredient from a pod according to the first aspect of theinvention. The apparatus comprises a pod support region configured tosupport the pod, and an actuator configured to engage with acorresponding actuator engagement region of the pod. The apparatus isconfigured to cause the actuation member to cause an opening to beformed in the pod supported by the pod support region during adispensing operation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredientto be released from the pod via said opening. The dispensing apparatusmay further comprise a rotation mechanism for rotating the pod. Theapparatus may be further configured to cause the rotation mechanism tocause the pod to rotate about an axis of rotation during said dispensingoperation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient to bereleased from the pod via said opening.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided adispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage preparation ingredientfrom a pod. The dispensing apparatus comprises a pod support regionconfigured to support a pod, an actuator configured to engage with acorresponding actuator engagement region of the pod, and a rotationmechanism for rotating the pod. The apparatus is configured to cause theactuation member to cause an opening to be formed in a pod supported bythe pod support region. The apparatus is further configured to cause therotation mechanism to cause the pod to rotate about an axis of rotationduring a dispensing operation, so as to cause the beverage preparationingredient to be released from the pod via said opening.

Rotation of the pod during the dispensing cycle provides an efficientmechanism for evacuating the beverage preparation ingredient (e.g. a drypowder) from the cavity. Rather than being flushed out of the pod bywater (as is commonly the case in known beverage preparation systems),rotation drives the beverage preparation ingredient away from the centreof the pod, causing it to fall through the opening created by theactuation member provided within the pod).

The pod may be a pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparationingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod may comprise a bodydefining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient. Thepod may further comprise an actuation member contained within saidcavity. The actuation member may be configured to cause an opening to beformed between said cavity and a region outside the pod when actuated bythe actuator member of the apparatus. The opening may be formed around aperimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod.

It will be understood that the provision of beverages, especiallynutrient-rich health beverages, can reduce the number of single-useplastic bottles used to provide health drinks. Additionally, theavoidance of pre-bottled drinks reduces the volume of water needing tobe transported by road (or other forms of over-land transport). Rather,water can be provided to the apparatus from a mains water supply (e.g.via a tap, or by the apparatus being connected directly to the supply).In all of these ways, aspects of the present invention (which mayincorporate pods and a dispensing apparatus) provide an environmentallyfriendly alternative to pre-bottled drinks.

The beverage preparation ingredient is preferably a soluble beveragepreparation ingredient (e.g. a soluble powder or concentrate).

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a mixing chamber, themixing chamber comprising an inlet for receiving at least one beveragepreparation ingredient from said pod.

The mixing chamber may comprise an outlet for dispensing a mixedbeverage. The apparatus may be configured to cause the beveragepreparation ingredient to be mixed within the mixing chamber and thendispensed from the mixing chamber into a suitably placed vessel. Theapparatus may be configured to cause the beverage preparation ingredientto be mixed with a liquid (e.g. water).

The mixing chamber may comprise at least one wall defining a mixingcavity. The mixing chamber may be generally rotationally symmetric aboutthe axis of rotation of the pod (such that mixing chamber has agenerally circular cross-section in planes normal to the axis ofrotation). In normal operation, the mixing chamber inlet is provided atthe top of the mixing chamber, with the outlet being provided at thebottom.

The dispensing apparatus may be part of, or may be referred to as, abeverage preparation system

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a mixing device providedwithin the mixing chamber for mixing the at least one beveragepreparation ingredient.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an actuation assembly foractuating the mixing device.

The actuation assembly may be configured to form a seal with the inletduring a mixing operation.

The actuation assembly may, in use, comprise a pod, the pod beingconfigured to close an aperture when provided at the pod support region.

The actuation assembly may be configured to transfer rotational movementto the mixing device.

The actuation assembly may comprise said rotation mechanism for rotatingthe pod, the dispensing apparatus being configured such that a mixingdevice engagement feature of the pod is caused to transfer rotationalmovement from the pod to the mixing device.

By causing rotation of the mixing assembly via the pod there may beprovided a simple mechanical arrangement in which the number of openingsinto the mixing chamber are minimised. Thus, rather than having adirectly driven mixing device within the chamber (which might need to bedriven by a drive shaft, or other mechanical coupling), the pod (whichis itself rotated during dispensing) can be used as a drive mechanism.

The actuation assembly may be configured to transfer rotational movementto the mixing device via said inlet. In this way, the number ofapertures in the mixing chamber may be reduced.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a valve assembly providedwithin the mixing chamber, the valve assembly being configured to sealan outlet of the mixing chamber, the outlet being disposed generallyopposite from the inlet.

The valve assembly may be configured to seal the outlet during a mixingoperation, and to permit the contents of the mixing chamber to bedispensed through the outlet after said mixing operation.

It will of course be appreciated that there is no requirement to providea perfect seal between the valve assembly and the mixing chamber outlet,such that some liquid may escape through the outlet even when it isconsidered to be ‘sealed’. However, the valve assembly may be configuredto substantially seal the outlet when required, so as to prevent amajority of the content of the mixing chamber from being released forsufficiently long to enable thorough (or thorough enough) mixing to takeplace.

The valve assembly may be operated by engagement with the actuationassembly via said inlet.

The actuation assembly may be configured to cause at least a portion ofthe valve assembly to move along a movement axis. The movement axis maybe parallel to or co-axial with the axis of rotation of the pod.

The valve assembly may comprise a valve rod extending from a sealingportion disposed at the lower end of the mixing chamber to an engagementportion disposed at the upper end of the mixing chamber for engagementwith the actuation assembly.

The valve assembly may comprise a biasing member configured to urge thevalve assembly into an open configuration.

The valve assembly may incorporate one or more features adapted toreduce the accumulation of unwanted matter on a surface of said valveassembly. Said one or more features may comprise at least one slopingsurface, configured to cause any incident matter to run off towards theoutlet. Said at least one sloping surface may comprise a surface profilehaving no local minima or low points, such that incident matter iscaused to run off the surface towards the outlet, rather than collectingin any local low points.

The actuation assembly may comprise a valve actuating rod which, in use,is configured to extend through a portion of the pod and to engage withan engagement portion of the valve assembly.

In use, the valve actuating rod may be configured to move substantiallyvertically with respect to the mixing chamber so as to verticallydisplace said engagement portion of the valve assembly, therebyactuating the value assembly.

The mixing device may comprise a mixing paddle. The mixing paddle maycomprise at least one mixing arm extending from a hub.

The mixing paddle may be configured to rotate about an axis. The axismay be co-axial with the axis of rotation of the pod. The mixing paddlemay comprise a plurality of (e.g. two) mixing arms. The mixing paddlehub may be configured to rotate relative to the valve rod.

The mixing paddle may comprise at least one pod engagement feature forengagement with a paddle engagement feature of the pod.

Rotation may be transferred from the pod to the (or each) pod engagementfeature by friction. Rotation may be transferred from the pod to the (oreach) pod engagement feature via a clutch (e.g. a dog clutch).

The mixing paddle may comprise a plurality of pod engagement features.The or each pod engagement feature may extend radially away from thehub, and/or upwards from hub in a direction parallel to the axis, in anormal orientation.

The apparatus may be configured to cause relative movement between theactuator and the pod support region, thereby causing said opening to beformed in a pod supported by the pod support region.

The pod support region may be configured to support a mounting region ofthe pod.

Said relative movement may comprise cause the actuator to move towardsthe pod support region. Said relative movement between the actuator andthe pod support region may cause the pod to be deformed

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an actuator drivemechanism configured to cause said relative movement between theactuator and the pod support region, the actuator drive mechanismcomprising a linkage assembly, and a prime mover configured to drivesaid linkage assembly.

The use of an automatically actuated (i.e. self-actuated) actuatorassembly reduces the likelihood of miss-use, which could lead tobreakage (especially where significant forces were required to beapplied by a user).

The linkage assembly may comprise an actuator link, the actuator beingdriven by an actuating end of the actuator link during a dispensingoperation.

The actuator link may be referred to as a pushing link.

The prime mover may comprise a motor. The use of a motor driven linkageassembly ensures that the actuation force is generated by componentswithin the apparatus, rather than requiring significant space to be leftfor the manual operation of a long lever. A motor may be positionedconveniently within the apparatus, with the linkage assembly convertingrotational movement to the linear movement required to actuate the pod.

The pod support region may be configured rotate during said dispensingoperation.

The rotation mechanism may be coupled to the pod support region so as tocause the pod support region to rotate, thereby causing a supported podto rotate. The rotation mechanism may comprise a motor. The motor may becoupled to the pod support region by a belt (e.g. a timing belt).

At least a portion of the actuator may be configured to rotate with thepod.

A first portion of the actuator may be configured to rotate with thepod, and a second portion of the actuator may be configured not torotate with the pod.

The actuator may be configured to move in a generally downwardsdirection during a dispensing operation relative to the pod supportregion.

Moving the actuator downwards causes the actuator to cause the actuationmember within the pod to form an opening at the bottom of the pod,thereby allowing the ingredient contained within the pod to be releasedfrom the bottom of the pod, under the influence of gravity.

The actuator may be configured to move axially along the axis ofrotation.

Of course, in an embodiment the pod support region may be configured tomove upwards, such that relative movement between the actuator and podsupport region can be achieved by moving the pod support region upwardsrelative to the actuator.

The valve actuating rod may extend through a portion of the actuator toengage with said engagement portion of the valve assembly.

The pod support region may be fixed in position relative to the axis ofrotation in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

That is, while the pod support region may rotate during dispensing, itdoes not move along the axis of rotation, thereby providing a fixedreference against which the actuator can move, thereby causing theactuation member to form the opening.

The dispensing apparatus may have a first configuration in which a podis supported by said pod support region and said actuator is at a firstposition relative to the pod support region, and a second configurationin which said actuator is at a second position relative to the podsupport region, the apparatus being configured to transition from thefirst configuration to the second configuration during a dispensingoperation. In the first configuration, the pod may be in a closed state.In the second configuration, the pod may be in an open state.

By causing relative movement between the pod support region and theactuator, the pod can be opened. The second position may be lower thanthe first position.

During a first transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration, the actuator link may be caused to rotate about a pivotin a first direction by the prime mover.

During the first transition, the actuator link may be caused to deliveran actuation force via the actuator. During the first transition, theactuator link may be caused to rotate through a relatively small angle.

During a first part of said first transition the valve actuating rod maybe configured to move vertically down with respect to the mixingchamber, so as cause said valve assembly to seal the outlet. During asecond part of said first transition the pod engagement portion of theactuator may be configured to move vertically down with respect to thepod support so as cause the pod to be opened.

The dispensing apparatus may further have a third configuration in whichsaid actuator is at a third position relative to the pod support region,the actuator being separated from the pod support region in the thirdconfiguration so as to permit a pod to be placed on the pod supportregion.

The apparatus may be configured to transition from the thirdconfiguration to the first configuration during a dispensing operation.The apparatus may be configured to transition from the thirdconfiguration to the first configuration at least partially by movementof a closing mechanism by a user. The closing mechanism may comprise anapparatus cover portion. The apparatus cover portion may be coupled tothe actuator by said linkage assembly.

During a second transition from the first configuration to the thirdconfiguration, the actuator link may be caused to pivot about a pivot ina second direction, the second direction being opposite to the firstdirection.

During the second transition from the first configuration to the thirdconfiguration, the actuator link not required to deliver a significantforce. However, the angular movement of the actuator link in the secondtransition may be greater (e.g. several times greater) than during thefirst transition.

A first part of said second transition may be caused by said actuatordrive mechanism, and a second part of said second transition may becaused by a user. In this way, the actuator drive mechanism may becaused to move the apparatus to a configuration intermediate the firstand third configurations in which the actuator is slightly spaced apartfrom the pod. Then, a user may operate the apparatus to fully a fullyopen configuration so that a used pod can be removed (and/or a new podinserted).

During the first and second transitions, the actuator link may pivotabout different pivots.

The apparatus may be configured to transition back from the thirdconfiguration to the first configuration at least partially by movementof the actuator drive mechanism. A first part of said transition may becaused by a user, and a second part of said transition may be caused bysaid actuator drive mechanism. It will be understood that this is thereverse of the transition from the first configuration to the thirdconfiguration.

During at least a part of the second transition, the actuator link maybe de-coupled from the prime mover.

In this way, a user can easily open the apparatus so as to remove/placea pod. Rather than being driven by the prime mover (which may berequired to output significant force over a relatively short range ofmotion during the first transition), the opening mechanism may be useroperated, and may require only a relatively small force, but over arelatively long range of motion. By decoupling the prime mover duringthis movement, it is possible to provide a simple and convenient openingmechanism, while also limiting the number of functions required to beperformed by the prime mover, therefore simplifying the linkageassembly.

The rotation mechanism may be configured to cause the pod to rotateduring said transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.

By rotating during the period in which the opening is formed, thebeverage preparation ingredients are effectively released from the pod,and may be flung from the pod towards the walls of the mixing chamber,rather than falling towards the centre of the mixing chamber.

The rotation mechanism may be configured to cause the pod to continue torotate after said transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration for a predetermined period of time.

This further rotation may ensure that substantially all of theingredients are evacuated from the pod. The further rotation may also beused to cause the ingredients to be well mixed in the mixing chamber.

The dispensing apparatus may be further configured to dispense a liquidfor mixing with the beverage preparation ingredient. The liquid ispreferably water.

The dispensing apparatus may be further configured to dispense saidliquid to a location external of the pod. The absence of liquid (e.g.water) within the pod, and the mixing of liquid with the beverage drinkpreparation ingredient (e.g. powder) externally of the pod, means thatingredients within the pod do not become sticky, thereby providing areliable dispensing mechanism for controlled doses of beveragepreparation ingredients.

The dispensing apparatus may comprise a first liquid outlet configuredto dispense liquid into the mixing chamber. The first liquid outlet maybe configured to dispense liquid directly into the mixing chamber. Thefirst liquid outlet may be provided at a rim of the mixing chamber. Thefirst liquid outlet may comprise a plurality of nozzles. The pluralityof nozzles may be disposed around the rim of the mixing chamber. The rimmay extend around the inlet through which the beverage preparationingredient is provided. The outlet may be configured to direct one ormore jets of liquid towards the mixing device.

The dispensing apparatus may comprise a second liquid outlet configuredto dispense liquid into a vessel configured to receive a beverage. Thesecond liquid outlet may be configured to dispense liquid directly intothe vessel. The vessel may be a vessel provided below the outlet of themixing chamber. As such, the second liquid outlet may bypass the mixingchamber entirely. The second liquid outlet may, for example, be used totop-up a drink to a predetermined level, or to provide an unmixed drink(e.g. chilled and/or filtered water).

The liquid may be dispensed during said transition from the firstconfiguration to the second configuration. The liquid may be dispensedafter said transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration. In addition to or instead of liquid being dispensedduring the period when the pod is opened, liquid may be dispensed afterthe pod has been opened. During this period, the pod contents willcontinue to be released, and mixing can take place.

The dispensing apparatus may be further configured to dispense a liquidfor rinsing a portion of the dispensing apparatus. Additional liquid maybe dispensed to rinse the mixing chamber after a beverage has been mixedand dispensed.

The actuator may comprise a pod engagement portion which issubstantially co-axial with the axis of rotation.

The pod engagement portion may comprise a convex portion configured tobe inserted into a correspondingly shaped (i.e. concave) actuatorengagement region of the pod.

The pod engagement portion may be generally rotationally symmetric aboutthe axis of rotation. By making the actuator generally rotationallysymmetric, the angular position of the pod relative to the actuator doesnot matter, such that the pod can engage with the actuator regardless ofinstallation orientation. Of course, it is not necessary for the podengagement portion to be strictly rotationally symmetric. For example,whereas the pod engagement portion may approximate a cone in someembodiments, a pyramid (e.g. a regular, or right, pyramid) may beequally effective. For example a regular octagonal pyramid may providefor a relatively uniform force transfer between the actuator and thepod.

The pod engagement portion may have a first width in a directionperpendicular to the axis at a first location and a second width in adirection perpendicular to the axis at a second location, the secondwidth being smaller than the first width. The apparatus may beconfigured to cause the second location of the pod engagement portion tobe inserted into the actuator engagement portion of the pod during adispensing operation. The second (narrower) location may be insertedinto the actuator engagement portion before the first (wider) location.The first and second locations may be referred to as first and secondends. The pod engagement portion may approximate a frustum. The podengagement portion may be approximately frustoconical, such that thefirst width is a first diameter and/or the second width is a seconddiameter.

Of course, it will also be understood that the pod engagement portion isnot required to have a linearly varying diameter (or width) along theaxis of rotation (as would be the case with a true cone or pyramid).Rather, the width may generally increase from first location to thesecond location following any convenient profile (e.g. a curvedprofile). The profile may have discontinuities (e.g. stepped sides).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided abeverage preparation system comprising:

-   -   a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising an inlet for        receiving at least one beverage preparation ingredient;    -   a mixing device provided within the mixing chamber for mixing        the at least one beverage preparation ingredient;    -   an actuation assembly for actuating the mixing device;

wherein the actuation assembly comprises a pod containing said at leastone beverage preparation ingredient, the pod comprising a mixing deviceengagement feature configured to transfer rotational movement from thepod to the mixing device.

By causing rotation of the mixing device via the pod there is provided asimple mechanical arrangement in which the number of openings into themixing chamber are minimised. Thus, rather than having a directly drivenmixing device within the chamber (which might need to be driven by adrive shaft, or other mechanical coupling), the pod (which is itselfrotated during dispensing) can be used as a drive mechanism.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided abeverage preparation system comprising:

-   -   a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising an inlet for        receiving at least one beverage preparation ingredient and an        output disposed generally opposite from the inlet for dispensing        a mixed beverage;    -   a mixing device provided within the mixing chamber for mixing        the at least one beverage preparation ingredient;    -   a valve assembly provided within the mixing chamber, the valve        assembly being configured to seal the output of the mixing        chamber;    -   wherein the mixing paddle and the valve assembly are configured        for engagement with an actuation assembly via the inlet.

By providing coupling to both of the mixing paddle and the valveassembly via the same inlet, which is also configured to receive thebeverage preparation ingredient, it is possible to provide a simplifiedmechanical arrangement, with minimal mixing chamber apertures.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a liquid reservoir forstoring liquid to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus may furthercomprise a pump configured to deliver liquid from said reservoir to oneor more liquid outlets. The dispensing apparatus may further comprise afilter configured to filter liquid stored within said reservoir. Thedispensing apparatus may further comprise a cooling apparatus configuredto cool liquid stored within said reservoir.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a controller configured tocontrol one or more parts of a dispensing operation and/or a mixingoperation. The controller may be configured to control an operation ofthe prime mover and/or the rotation mechanism. The controller may beconfigured to control an operation of the pump. The dispensing apparatusmay comprise at least one controllable valve. The controller may beconfigured to control an operation of said at least one controllablevalve. The controller may be configured to cause the dispensingapparatus to perform a plurality of steps during a dispensing operation.The dispensing operation may comprise a mixing operation.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided abeverage preparation system comprising a dispensing apparatus fordispensing a beverage preparation powder from a pod, a mixing chamberfor receiving said beverage preparation powder from a pod, and a liquiddispensing device for dispensing a liquid into said mixing chamber. Thesystem is configured to cause a beverage preparation powder to bereleased from a pod into the mixing chamber, a liquid to be dispensedinto the mixing chamber, the beverage preparation powder and the liquidto be mixed in the mixing chamber, and the mixed beverage preparationpowder and liquid to be dispensed from an outlet.

The apparatus may comprise a pod support region configured to support apod and an actuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuatorengagement region of the pod. The apparatus may be configured to causethe actuation member to cause an opening to be formed in a pod supportedby the pod support region, thereby allowing the beverage preparationpowder to pass from the pod to the mixing chamber.

The apparatus may further comprise a rotation mechanism for rotating thepod. The rotation mechanism may be configured to cause the pod to rotateabout an axis of rotation during a dispensing operation, so as to causethe beverage preparation powder to be released from the pod via saidopening.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof operating a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beveragepreparation ingredient from a pod, the apparatus comprising:

-   -   a pod support region configured to support a pod;    -   an actuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuator        engagement region of the pod; and    -   a rotation mechanism for rotating the pod;    -   the method comprising:        -   providing a pod at the pod support region;        -   causing, by the actuator, the actuation member to cause an            opening to be formed in said pod; and        -   rotating, by the rotation mechanism, the pod about an axis            of rotation, so as to cause the beverage preparation            ingredient to be released from the pod via said opening.

The pod may be a pod according to the first aspect of the invention.

The method may comprise releasing said beverage preparation ingredientfrom the pod into a mixing chamber.

The method may further comprise mixing said released beveragepreparation ingredient in said mixing chamber. Said mixing may compriserotating a mixing device provided within said mixing chamber.

Said rotating of the mixing device may be by said rotation mechanism.Said rotation mechanism may be coupled to the mixing device by the pod.

The method may further comprise dispensing a liquid into said mixingchamber to be mixed with said beverage preparation ingredient.

Said rotating may comprise rotating at least a predetermined minimumrotation speed.

Rotation at least a minimum speed will ensure that the beveragepreparation ingredient is effectively released from the pod.

Said rotating may comprise rotating for at least a predetermined minimumrotation duration. Rotation for a minimum rotation duration will ensurethat the beverage preparation ingredient is effectively released fromthe pod.

Said rotating may comprise varying a rotation speed during a dispensingoperation.

By varying the rotation speed, accelerations and decelerations can beused to improve the efficacy of ingredient release from the pod, and/orto increase the efficacy of mixing within the mixing chamber.

The method may comprise sealing an outlet of a mixing chamber before thecommencement of a mixing operation, and opening said outlet of themixing chamber after the completion of a mixing operation. Of course,the mixing chamber outlet may be opened and closed (i.e. sealed) aplurality of times.

The method may comprise the steps of:

-   -   sealing an outlet of a mixing chamber;    -   dispensing a liquid into said mixing chamber;    -   mixing said liquid with said beverage preparation ingredient by        rotating a mixing device provided within said mixing chamber;        and opening said outlet of the mixing chamber to dispense the        mixed beverage.

Said dispensing may be performed after said sealing, and so on.

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-   -   re-sealing said outlet of a mixing chamber;    -   dispensing additional liquid into said mixing chamber; and    -   re-opening said outlet of the mixing chamber to release the        additional liquid.

The re-sealing of the outlet (and subsequent dispensing of additionliquid and re-opening of the outlet) may be performed after saiddispensing of the mixed beverage.

Dispensing additional liquid into the mixing chamber after a mixingoperation allows the mixing chamber and mixing device to be cleaned.

The method may further comprise the step of rotating the mixing devicewithin the mixing chamber after said additional liquid has beendispensed so as to clean the mixing chamber.

Causing the actuation member to cause an opening to be formed in saidpod may be performed after said sealing an outlet of a mixing chamber,and before said opening said outlet of the mixing chamber.

Causing the actuation member to cause an opening to be formed in saidpod may be performed after said dispensing a liquid into said mixingchamber.

Said rotation mechanism may be caused to commence rotation of said podand said mixing device before the opening is formed in the pod.

The method may further comprise, before a dispensing operation, movingsaid actuator to a position spaced apart from the pod support region soas to permit a pod to be placed on the pod support region.

The method may further comprise, after a dispensing operation, movingsaid actuator to a position spaced apart from the pod support region soas to permit a pod to be removed from the pod support region.

It will, of course, be appreciated that features described in thecontext of one aspect of the invention may be combined with featuresdescribed in the context of other aspects of the invention. For example,features of the pod (described as the first aspect above) may becombined with features of the dispensing apparatus (third to fifth, andfurther aspects), or the dispensing methods (second and sixth aspects)and vice versa. For example, a dispensing apparatus according to oneaspect may be caused to dispense ingredients from a pod according toanother aspect. Similarly, a pod may be actuated by performing a methodaccording to another aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a beverage preparation apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a beverage preparation pod according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the pod of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic drawing of part of the beverage preparationapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section drawing of part of the beverage preparationapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of part of the beverage preparationapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section drawing of a cartridge assembly of thebeverage preparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic drawing of a rotation mechanism of the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9a and 9b show perspective drawings of parts of the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective drawing of a mixing paddle of the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11a to 11c show schematic drawings of part of the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in three different configurations;

FIGS. 12a to 12c show cross-section drawings of part of the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in three different configurations;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic drawing of part of the pod of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 14a and 14b show a cross-sectional perspective view of the pod ofFIG. 2 in closed and open configurations respectively;

FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of a method of operating the beveragepreparation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows perspective views of alternative versions of part of thepod of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 shows a cooling element;

FIGS. 18a and 18b show a chiller block;

FIG. 19 shows a chiller tank;

FIG. 20 shows a complete chiller tank and a cutaway chiller tank;

FIG. 21 shows images of a computer processor cooling system;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of a chilled water system;

FIG. 23 shows another schematic view of a chilled water system;

FIG. 24 shows the time taken to cool water with a cooler;

FIG. 25 shows a test assembly;

FIGS. 26a to 26d show pictures of a heat sink, fan, blower and chillerblock; and

FIGS. 27 to 36 show various steps in a mix and dispense process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In more detail, FIG. 1 shows a beverage preparation apparatus 100comprising a water storage reservoir 102, a dispensing assembly 104, anda mixing chamber 106. A water supply pipe 108 connects the reservoir 102to the dispensing assembly 104. In use, a vessel 110 (e.g. a cup orbottle) is provided to receive a dispensed beverage, and a pod 120containing a beverage preparation powder is provided within thedispensing assembly 104.

The beverage preparation apparatus 100 may, for example, comprise acountertop beverage dispenser, or other equivalently small and/orportable unit. In some embodiments the beverage preparation apparatus100 may be connected to a water supply rather than (or as well as)having an integrated reservoir. Water stored in the reservoir may bechilled and/or filtered. The beverage preparation apparatus 100 mayinclude a controller and a variety of pumps and/or valves (e.g.controllable valves) configured to control the apparatus to perform abeverage preparation process including a dispensing operation.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in which the pod 120 is shown in more detail,it can be seen that the pod comprises three components: a body 122, arelease plunger 124 and a film 126. The film 126 may be referred to as abase. These three components are shown in exploded form in FIG. 3. Acavity 128 is defined within the pod 120, the beverage preparationpowder being stored within the cavity 128.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments an alternative form ofbeverage preparation ingredient may be provided within the capsule. Forexample, in an embodiment the beverage preparation powder may bereplaced by a liquid or gel. Alternatively, in an embodiment granules ofa beverage preparation ingredient may be provided. The beveragepreparation powder or other material may comprise one or moreingredients.

The beverage preparation powder may, for example, comprise vitamins,minerals, and/or flavourings. The composition can be varied as requiredso as to provide a particular type of beverage. Typically theingredients will be soluble, or dispersible, such that a beverage can beprepared by mixing water with the ingredients without any filtrationbeing required.

The body 122 has side walls 130 and a top wall 132. The body 122 may,for example, be formed as a single molded component. The walls 130, 132partially define the cavity 128, the cavity 128 being further defined bythe film 126, which seals the cavity 128. The top wall 132 is disposedat a closed side 134 of the pod 120. The film 126 is provided at an openside 136 of the pod 120. That is, the body 122 is continuous across theclosed side of the pod such that it does not permit access to the cavity128 from the closed side 134. The side walls 130 of the body extend fromthe closed side 134 to a rim 138 which extends around the perimeter ofthe open side 136. However, there is no part of the body 130 whichextends across the open side 136, presenting an opening. Of course, asnoted above, this opening is effectively sealed by the film 126, whichis sealed to the rim 138.

The open side is separated from the closed side by in a directionparallel to the axis A-A′ by a distance defining a depth of the pod. Thepod depth may, for example, be between 10 mm and 30 mm (e.g. around 20mm). The open side may, for example, have an outer diameter of around45-50 mm, with the opening having an inner diameter of around 42-45 mm.At a point of transition between the side walls 130 and the top 132, thebody may, for example, have a diameter of around 40-44 mm. In this way,the walls 130 are slightly tapered such that the wall slopes outwardsfrom the closed side to the open side or base. The slope may reduce theextent to which the ingredient within the pod can become trapped duringoperation, since the wall slopes outwards towards the opening which maybe formed around the perimeter of the base, allowing the ingredient tobe directed towards the opening when the pod is rotated.

It will, of course, be appreciated that alternative pod dimensions tothose described above (and below) may be used as preferred.

The rim 138 comprises a mounting flange 139 which extends around theperimeter of the rim 138 set back slightly from the open side 136. Themounting flange 139 provides a mounting surface facing downwards in theorientation shown in FIG. 2 which allows the pod 120 to be supported bya suitable support arrangement (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5), the rim 138and flange 139 cooperating with the support arrangement to support thepod 120 in both horizontal and vertical directions (again, in theorientation shown in FIG. 2).

The body 122 also defines a central channel 140, passing from the closedside 134 to the open side 136. The pod 120 is generally rotationallysymmetrical about an axis A-A′, the central channel being co-axial withthe axis A-A′. The central channel 140 is defined by channel walls 142which are formed as part of the body 122, and which define asubstantially frustoconical shape. The channel 140 has a first opening144 provided at the centre of the closed side 134 of the pod 120, and asecond, smaller, opening 146 provided at the open side 136 of the pod120. In an embodiment, the first opening 144 may have a diameter ofaround 10 mm and the second opening 146 may have a diameter of around 3mm.

The first opening 144 is a circular aperture defined by a transitionregion of the body 122 between the top 132 and the channel walls 142.The second opening 146 is also a circular aperture defined by a region148 of the channel walls 142 having an increased thickness with respectto the remainder of the channel walls 142.

As described above, the film 126 is sealed to the rim 138 around theperimeter of the open side 136 of the pod 120. The film 126 isadditionally sealed to the region 148 around the second opening 146. Thefilm 126 may include a central hole which is aligned with the secondopening 146. In this way the body 122 (comprising side walls 130, topwalls 134 and channel walls 142) and the film 126 entirely enclose thecavity 128. It is noted, however, that in the illustrated embodiment,the cavity is toroidal, such that a path exists from the top to thebottom of the cavity through the channel 140 which path does not passwithin the cavity, but which instead passes through the hole in thecentre of the toroid.

The plunger 124 is disposed within the cavity 128. During a dispensingoperation (as described in more detail below) the plunger 124 isconfigured to peel (or pierce) the film 126 so as to release the powdercontained within the cavity 128.

The plunger comprises a hub portion 150 and a pusher portion 152,extending away and downwards (in the orientation of FIG. 2) from the hub150. The hub portion 150 of the plunger 124 extends around the outwardfacing surface of the channel walls 142 (i.e. the surface that is withinthe cavity 128).

The channel walls 142 include abutment portions 154 which take the formof ribs which extend in a direction aligned to the central axis A-A′ ofthe pod and which are provided around the central channel walls 142. Theribs engage with the hub portion 150 of the plunger 124. In particular,the end of each rib presents a downward facing surface which isconfigured to push against an upward facing surface provided by the topsurface of the hub portion 150 of the plunger.

The body 122 may suitably be constructed from a thermoplastic polymer,such as, for example, polypropylene number 5. However, it will, ofcourse, be appreciated that other polymeric or non-polymeric materialsmay also be used. The plunger 124 may suitably be constructed from athermoplastic polymer. However, it will, of course, be appreciated thatother polymeric or non-polymeric materials may also be used. Similarly,the film 126 may suitably be constructed from a thermoplastic polymer.However, it will, of course, be appreciated that other polymeric ornon-polymeric materials may also be used. For example, the film 126 maysuitably be constructed from a metal foil.

In some embodiments, the pod 120 may be formed from recyclable material,thereby avoiding the generation of waste which must be disposed of inland-fill. Alternatively, in some embodiments some, or even all,components of the pod (e.g. body 122, plunger 124, film 126) may beformed from biodegradable or compostable materials.

The dispensing assembly 104 is now described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 4 to 10. The dispensing assembly 104 comprises amechanism for actuating the pod 120 in order to release the contentsinto the mixing chamber 106. The dispensing assembly 104 is supported bya base 200, which is part of a main body of the beverage dispenser 100,and which provides a fixed reference point for movement of components ofthe dispensing assembly 104. The dispensing assembly 104 comprises amotor driven linkage. More particularly, the dispensing assembly 104comprises a pushing link 202 which is connected by a pivot 204 to alower housing 206. The lower housing 206 is, in turn, pivotallyconnected to a support bracket 208 via a main pivot 210. The supportbracket 208 is rigidly attached to the base 200.

The lower housing 206 includes a cover link arm 212 depending from themain pivot 210, which is connected, via a cover link arm pivot 214 tofirst end of a cover linkage 216. The cover linkage 216 is pivotallyconnected at a second end by cover linkage pivot 218 to a cover mountingbracket 220. A cover 222 is fixedly connected to the cover mountingbracket 220, e.g. via screws 224. The cover mounting bracket 220 isadditionally connected by a cover pivot 226 to a forward portion 228 ofthe base 200.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the pushing link 202 comprises a firstend 230 and a second end 232. The pivot 204 is disposed generallycentrally between the first and second ends 230, 232. The first end 230of the pushing link 202 is configured to engage during operation with acam 234, which is in turn driven by a motor 238. The motor 238 iscoupled to the cam 234 by a gearbox 240 (which is shown in FIG. 4).

The motor 238 may, for example, comprise a motor having a low outputspeed (e.g. a no load speed of around 10 or 12 rpm) and large outputtorque (e.g. a stall torque of around 15 kgf·cm), and an operatingvoltage of 12 V DC. One such suitable motor may, for example, be a motorhaving part number TWG3246-370CA-15360-438 as manufactured by TT Motor(HK) Industrial Co. Ltd, Guangdong, China. Such a motor may incorporatea reducing gearbox. It will be appreciated that alternative motors maybe used to provide a rotation of the pod. The motor may be selectedbased on its torque capacity and speed. A separate reducing gearbox maybe used to adapt a motor output to provide a suitable output for drivingthe cam 234.

The cam 234 comprises a crank housing 242, a magnet 244, and a roller246, as shown in FIG. 6. The roller 246 is disposed within a cutawayportion of the crank housing 242 and is offset with respect to an axisC-C′ of rotation of the cam 234 (which is central to the cam housing242) such that when the crank housing 242 is caused to rotate about theaxis C-C′, the roller 246 is caused to move along a generally circularpath with respect to the axis.

The magnet 244 is provided so as to enable an encoder (not shown) tomonitor the rotation of the crank housing 242. The operation of the cam234 is described in more detail below. The gearbox 240, motor 238, andcam 234 are supported by a bracket 248 which is in turn fixedly mountedto the base 200.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the pushing link 202 is further coupled tothe lower housing 206 by a return spring 250. The return spring 250 is acompression spring which is disposed approximately mid-way between thepivot 204 and the second end 232 of the pushing link 202.

A cartridge assembly 252 is disposed at the second end 232 of thepushing link 202. The cartridge assembly 252 is now described in moredetail with reference to FIG. 7b . The cartridge assembly 252 comprisesa cartridge top 254, a push rod 256, a dog bone linkage 258, a cartridgetop spring 260, an actuator sleeve 262 and an actuator 264. The dog bonelinkage 258 and the actuator sleeve 262 are shown separately from theremaining components of the cartridge assembly in FIG. 7 b.

The cartridge top 254 is coupled via the cartridge top spring 260 to thesecond end 232 of the pushing link 202. As such the cartridge top 254generally moves with the second end 232 of the pushing link 202 unlessexternal forces are applied which overcome the coupling effect of thespring 260. A lower end of the spring cartridge top 254 is disposedwithin a cavity 266 provided in an end of the lower housing 206. Thecavity 266 is configured so as to allow the spring cartridge top 254 toslide up and down within the cavity in a vertical direction as shown inthe configuration of FIG. 7. The sliding motion of the spring cartridge254 is generally aligned with an axis B-B′ as shown in FIG. 7.

The push rod 256 is attached to the cartridge top 254 and therefore alsomoves with the cartridge top 254 in a vertical direction along the axisB-B′. The push rod 256 is concentric with the axis B-B′. While coupledto the pushing link 202 by the spring 260, the cartridge top 254 alsorests upon an upper end 258A of the dog bone linkage 258.

The dog bone linkage 258 provides a pivotal connection at the first end258A to the second end 232 of the pushing link 202. The dog bone linkage258 also comprises a second end 258B which is disposed below the firstend 258A and which provides a sliding connection to the actuator sleeve262. The actuator sleeve 262 is disposed within the cartridge top 254and is itself configured to slide within the cartridge top 254 along theaxis B-B′. The connections provided at the first and second ends 258A,258B of the dog bone linkage 258 allow movement of the pushing link 202,and in particular the second end 232 of the pushing link 202, to betransmitted to the actuator sleeve 262. As can be seen most clearly inFIG. 7b , the second end 258B of the dog bone linkage 258 is configuredto slide within a slot 262A provided by the sleeve 262. When the secondend 258B reaches the lower end of the slot 262A (i.e. in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 7a ), force is transmitted from the dog bonelinkage 258 to the sleeve 262, driving the sleeve 262 in a downwardsdirection. On the other hand, when the first end 258A reaches the upperend of the slot 262A (i.e. in the configuration shown in FIG. 7b ),force is transmitted from the dog bone linkage 258 to the sleeve 262,urging the sleeve 262 in an upwards direction.

The actuator sleeve 262 comprises a cylindrical portion which isgenerally received within the cartridge top 254, and a flange 268 whichextends below the lower housing 206. The flange 268 prevents theactuator sleeve 262 from passing further upwards than the configurationshown in FIG. 7a where the flange 268 contacts the lower surface of thelower housing 206.

The coupling of the pushing link 202 to the actuator sleeve 262 via thedog bone linkage 258, in combination with the action of the returnspring 250, results in the second end 232 of the pushing link 202 beingurged away from the lower housing 206, thereby causing the flange 268 tobe pressed against the lower surface of the lower housing 206. That is,the dog bone linkage 258 is caused to transmit a tension between thesecond end 232 of the pushing link 202, via the pivotal couplings, tothe actuator sleeve 262. This is particularly so when the pushing link202 is in a raised position, as shown in FIG. 8.

The actuator sleeve 262 further comprises a central bore through whichthe push rod 256 extends towards the lower end of the actuator sleeve262 (i.e. the end comprising the flange 268). The central bore isenlarged at the lower end so as to receive an upper end 270 of theactuator 264. The upper end 270 comprises a generally cylindricalportion which is co-centric with the axis B-B′.

The actuator 264 further comprises a conically shaped pod engagementportion 272 having a first end 272A and a wider second end 272B whichare configured to engage the channel 140 of the pod 120. Acircumferential rib 274 is provided above (in the orientation shown inFIG. 7) the wider end 272B of the pod engagement portion 272 and extendsaround the central axis B-B′. The pod engagement portion 272 of theactuator 264 is also concentric with the axis B-B′.

The actuator 264 also comprises a central bore configured to receive,and allow relative movement of, the push rod 256. The central boreextends along the axis B-B′, and extends from the upper end 270 to thefirst end 272A of the pod engagement portion 272.

The actuator 264 is rotatable with respect to the actuator sleeve 262,with axial forces being coupled from the actuator sleeve 262 to theactuator 264 by a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing may be provided bya flanged sleeve bearing 275, provided between an upper surface of thecircumferential rib 274 and a lower surface of the flange 268, with asleeve of the bearing extending around the upper end 270 within theactuator sleeve 262.

Referring again to FIG. 5 the mixing chamber 106 and associated mixingand dispensing components are described in more detail. In use, the pod120 is received by a pod support 280. The pod support 280 comprise acircular aperture for receiving the pod and provides a pod supportregion 280A by which the flange 139 of the pod is supported, as shown inthe configuration of FIG. 5. When a pod is received in the pod support280 it is positioned centrally with respect to the axis B-B′, such thatthe central axis of the pod A-A′ is co-linear with the axis B-B′.

The pod support 280 is itself supported by and received within anaperture provided in a mounting deck 282. The mounting deck 282 isrotatably supported by a bearing 284 so as to enable it to rotate aboutthe axis B-B′ with respect to a fixed support deck 286 which is fixedlyconnected to the base 200 of the dispensing device 100.

Of course it will be appreciated that any suitable bearing arrangementmay be provided. For example a plain bearing surface may be providedrather than a roller bearing as indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a rotation mechanism is provided to rotate themounting deck 282. In particular, a motor 330 drives a toothed pulleygear 332 which in turn engages with a toothed belt 334. The toothed belt334 extends around the rotatable support deck 282 which itself comprisesan outer toothed surface for engagement with the belt. Thus, rotation ofthe motor 330 causes the mounting deck 282 to rotate about the axisB-B′. As described above, the mounting deck 282 is permitted to rotatewith respect to the fixed support deck 286 by the bearing 284.

In an embodiment, the toothed pulley gear 332 may have 24 teeth, and therotatable support deck 282 may have 110 teeth.

The motor 330 may, for example, be a motor having a maximum rated outputspeed of 1400 rpm, a nominal torque capacity of 0.8 kgf·cm, andoperating on a 12 V DC supply. One such suitable motor may, for example,be a Motion King DC Motor having part number MK-G37-36-127500-5.8 asmanufactured by MotionKing Motor Industry Co. Ltd, Jiangsu Province,China. It will be appreciated that alternative motors may be used toprovide a rotation of the pod. The motor may be selected based on itstorque capacity and speed. A reducing gearbox may be used to adapt amotor output to provide a suitable output for driving the pod support.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the mixing chamber 106 is also fixedlyconnected to the fixed support deck 286. A fluid inlet manifold 288 isalso fixedly connected to the fixed mounting deck 286 and the mixingchamber 106.

The manifold 288 comprises an inlet pipe 290 and a plurality of outletnozzles 292 disposed around an inner surface of the mixing chamber 106.That is the inlet manifold 288 comprises a number of fluid channels 288c which allow the fluid to pass from the inlet pipe 290 around thechannels so as to be delivered to the outlet nozzles 292. In practicethe channels may be formed between an upper portion 288 b of themanifold (which is connected to the fixed mounting deck 286) and asurface of a lower portion 288 a of the manifold which are pressedtogether in an assembled form. The structure of the manifold 288 isshown in more detail in FIGS. 9a and 9b . FIG. 9a shows the bottomportion 288 a of the manifold 288, in which the inlet pipe 290 and waterchannels 288 c can be seen. FIG. 9b shows the top portion 288 b, inwhich water channels 288 c and the nozzles 292 can be seen.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mixing chamber 106 comprises a mounting flange294 which extends around the upper perimeter of the mixing chamber 106defining an inlet opening to the mixing chamber 296. The mixing chamberalso comprises an outlet 298 disposed at a lower end of the mixingchamber 106.

A make-up water outlet 291 is provided below the mixing chamber 106, toallow water to be dispensed into the vessel 110 without the water havingpassed through the mixing chamber 106.

The mixing chamber 106 also comprises a valve assembly 300 comprising avalve tip 302 and a sealing washer 304. The valve tip 302 may comprisechannels such that when the valve tip 302 is partially inserted into theoutlet 298 liquid may flow along the guide channels, so as to be guidedfrom the mixing chamber 106 into the vessel 110. The valve assembly isdisposed at the lower end of a valve rod 306. The valve rod 306 isconcentric with the axis B-B′, and has at its upper end a valveengagement feature 308 for engagement with a lower end of the push rod256. The push rod 256 may be referred to as a valve actuator rod 256.The valve rod 306 is biased by a valve spring 310 which urges the valverod 206 into a raised configuration when not pushed by the push rod 256.The spring 310 is attached at a first end to the valve rod 306 and at asecond end to a support assembly 312, which is anchored to an internalsurface of the mixing chamber 106.

The support assembly 312 also supports a mixing paddle 314 which isprovided within the mixing chamber 106. The mixing paddle 314 comprisesa plurality of mixing arms 316 and is shown in more detail in FIG. 10.The mixing paddle 314 further comprises two actuating arms 318 whichextend towards the upper end of the mixing paddle for engagement with adrive mechanism. The mixing paddle 314 further comprises three centrallydisposed mounting collars 320, each of which includes a central aperturefor rotatable coupling to the valve rod 306. The central apertures arealigned with the axis B-B′. The mixing arms 316 extend away from, andare slightly curved with respect to a radius from, the axis B-B′ prime.The mixing arms 316 have a profile when viewed side on in a planeincluding the axis B-B′ which is generally shaped to correspond to theinternal profile of the mixing chamber 106. The lower of the threemounting collars 320 is configured to rest upon and rotate with respectto the support structure 312.

In this way the paddle 314 is allowed to rotate about the axis B-B′, butdoes not move vertically with respect to this axis. On the other hand,the valve rod 306 is configured to move vertically along the axis B-B′,but does not rotate about the axis B-B′.

The operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 is now described in moredetail. In use, the pod 120 described above is inserted into thedispensing apparatus 100 and opened depositing the contents of the pod(e.g. a powder comprising beverage preparation ingredients) into themixing chamber 106, where the ingredients are mixed with a liquid (e.g.water) before being dispensed into a vessel 110 for consumption. Thedispensing and mixing process comprise a number of sequential steps,many of which are performed substantially automatically by the apparatus100.

The first sub-process of the mixing procedure is to load a pod 120 intothe apparatus. This process is shown with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11c. In particular in FIG. 11a , the mixing apparatus 100 is shown in anopen configuration. In the open configuration the cover 224 is tippedforward with respect to the base plate 200. In the open configurationthe pod support 280 is accessible and the pod 120 can be placed onto thepod support 280 (as shown in FIG. 11a ).

As described above, the cover 222 is mounted to the brackets 220 andpivots about pivot 226 with respect to the base 200 (as shown by arrowD1 a). The cover linkage 216 is also connected to the bracket 220 atpivot 218 such that when the cover 222 (and attached components) rotatesaround the pivot 226, the attached linkage 216 is caused to movegenerally towards the left as shown in FIG. 11a (see arrow D1 b). Thismovement causes the pivot 214 (which is attached to the right hand endof the linkage 216) to move to the left causing the lower housing 206 topivot about the main pivot 210. This causes the lower housing 206 torotate about the main pivot 210 in a generally clockwise direction inthe orientation shown in FIG. 11a . It will be appreciated that giventhe connections (which are described in detail above) between the lowerhousing 206 and the pusher link 202, absent any external forces to causerelative movement between those components, the pusher link 202 andlower housing 206 will rotate as one about the main pivot 210 (see arrowD1 c). This movement will cause the actuating member 264 to be raised,allowing easy access to the pod support region 280 for insertion of apod 120.

As shown in the inset to FIG. 11a , a cover spring 223 may be providedto bias the cover 222 towards the open configuration. Spring mountingprotrusions 225 and 227 may be provided on a part of the cover linkage216 and a part of the base 228 respectively so as to ensure that whenthe cover 222 is open it remains in that position unless the bias forceprovided by the cover spring 223 is overcome.

When the pod 120 has been inserted into the support region 280, thecover 222 can be closed by a user. The cover 222 is shown in a partiallyclosed configuration in FIG. 11b . As the cover 222 is tilted backwards(clockwise about the pivot 226, as shown in FIG. 11b by arrow D2 a) thecover linkage 216 is pushed to the right in as shown in FIG. 11b (seearrow D2 b) causing the lower housing 206 and attached pusher link 202to rotate about the main pivot 210. This causes the lower housing 206and pusher link 202 to rotate in a generally anti-clockwise direction(see arrow D2 c), lowering the actuator 264 towards the pod 120.

FIG. 11c shows the cover 222 in a closed configuration, in which thecover 222 has been rotated clockwise about the pivot 226 until it abutsa portion of the base 200 thereby stopping any further movement. Thecover spring 223 provides an over-centre spring bias such that the cover222 is retained in the closed configuration when it has been moved thereby the user. The cover spring 223, and mounting protrusions 225 and 227are configured such that the separation in the closed configuration (asshown in FIG. 11c ) and, the configuration shown in the openconfiguration (as shown in FIG. 11a ) are both such that when the coveris in either of those configurations the spring urges them furthertowards that configuration, rather than urging them towards theintermediate position shown in FIG. 11 b.

The configuration of the protrusions 225, 227, when in the cover closedconfiguration is shown in the inset of FIG. 11c . It will be appreciatedthat alterative configurations may be used as appropriate, and anover-centre mechanism may be omitted entirely.

It will also be appreciated that the closing of the cover 222 as shownin FIG. 11c causes the lower housing 206 and pusher link 202 to move toa substantially horizontal configuration in which the actuator 264 isinserted into the channel 140 of the pod 120. When the cover 222 hasbeen returned to the closed configuration the first end 230 of thepushing link 202 moves close to the cam 234, so as to enable the roller246 to engage with the lower surface of the first end 230 of the pushinglink 202.

It will also be understood therefore, that when the cover is to beopened and closed the cam 234 should be rotated to a position such thatthe roller 246 does not engage with the lower surface of the pushinglink 202. In particular, if the cam 234 was rotated so as to cause theroller 246 to abut the lower surface of the pushing link 202 (e.g. asshown in FIG. 5), this would prevent the cover from 222 from opening dueto the series of linkages described above.

The steps described above with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11c constitutea loading phase of the dispensing operation. A dispensing phase will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 12a to 12c . During all parts ofthe dispensing phase, the cover 222 will remain closed (although isomitted from FIGS. 12a to 12c in the interests of clarity), and thelower housing 206 will remain in the same position relative to the base200 that it arrived in during the closed configuration described abovewith reference to FIG. 11c (and also shown in FIG. 5). As such, for thepurposes of the subsequent description of the dispensing phase, thelower housing 206 is essentially a fixed reference point relative towhich other components may move.

Starting from the closed configuration as shown in FIGS. 11c and 12a ,the dispensing phase is started. The dispensing phase is initiated bymotor 238 being rotated so as to cause the cam 234 to rotate. Asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 6, the cam 234 comprises crankhousing 242 and roller 246. As the cam 234 rotates in an anticlockwisedirection (as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 5), the roller 246 is causedto rise. As the roller 246 first makes contact with, and then urgesupwards, the first end 230 of the pushing link 202, the link 202 iscaused to rotate about the pivot 204. This movement causes the secondend 232 of the pushing link 202 to move downwards.

Moving from the cover closed position shown in FIG. 12a towards theconfiguration which is shown FIG. 12b it can be seen that the pusherlink 202 has rotated with respect to the lower housing 206 causing thespring 250 to be compressed. It can also be seen that the cartridge top254 (which is connected to the second end 232 of the link 202 via thespring 260) moves lower into the recess 266 provided within the lowerhousing 206. As shown in FIG. 12b the cartridge top 254 has moved downto the end of the recess 266 such that the lower end of the cartridgetop 254 is in contact with the upper surface of the base of the recess266. Furthermore, the pushing rod 256 which is connected to (andtherefore moves with the cartridge top cover 254) has also moveddownwards with respect to the lower housing 206. In fact, the pushingrod 256 has moved sufficiently that the lowest end of the pushing rod256 is engaged with the engagement feature 308 provided in the valveactuating rod 306 (which is described above with reference to FIG. 7).

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 5, which shows the sameconfiguration as in FIG. 12b , when the cam 234 has rotated so as tourge the first end 230 of the pushing link 202 in an upwards direction,the valve assembly 300 is caused to be pushed downwards thereby closingthe outlet 298 of the mixing chamber 106. This configuration may bereferred to as the plugged configuration. Whilst the apparatus is in theplugged configuration, water may be injected in to the mixing chambervia the nozzles 292 provided in the manifold 288. The pod may also bespun while in the plugged configuration. That is, the pod may be causedto spin from before the pod has been opened by the dispensing assembly104, until after the contents have been evacuated.

After reaching the plugged configuration, the dispensing phase continueswith the cam 234 being rotated further in the anticlockwise direction(as shown in the orientation shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. This causes thepushing link 202 to be pivoted further about the pivot 204, causing thesecond end 232 of the pushing link 202 to be moved further downwards.This configuration is shown in FIG. 12c . In particular, it can be seenthat the spring 260 which couples the pushing link 202 and the cartridgetop 254 has been compressed since the cartridge top 254 cannot movefurther in a downwards direction due to the interference of the lowerhousing 206. However, since the pushing link 202 is forced to rotatefurther under the influence of the cam 234, the second end 232 of thelink 202 is pushed further downwards causing the dog bone linkage 258 tomove downwards, which in turn causes the actuator sleeve 262 to movedownwards.

As can be seen in FIG. 12c , the flange 268 of the actuator sleeve 262is caused to move away from the lower surface of the lower housing 206.This movement in turn causes the actuator 264, which is engaged with thepod 120, to be forced in a downwards direction along the axis B-B′. Itwill, however, be appreciated that given the fixed nature of the podsupport 280 in the vertical direction, the pod flange 139 (which issupported by the pod support region 280A) does not move downwards, suchthat the pod 120 is caused to be deformed by the action of the actuator264.

The effects of the actuation process on the pod 120 are described inmore detail below with reference to FIGS. 14a and 14b . However, brieflythe pod is actuated so as to cause the internal plunger mechanism (whichis not shown in FIG. 12a or 12 b) to be actuated, thereby causing thefilm 126 to be peeled away from the pod body 122 thereby releasing thepod contents into the mixing chamber 106. This configuration, which isshown in FIG. 12c , may be referred to as a pod-open configuration. Itis noted that in FIG. 12c , the pod is shown in an un-deformedconfiguration. However, the position of the film 126, plunger 124 andtop wall 132 are illustrated, as well as the position of the actuator264 when the pod has been opened.

As briefly mentioned above, during the dispensing process somecomponents of the dispensing apparatus are caused to rotate. Inparticular, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, the motor 330is configured to cause the support deck 282 to rotate during the varioussteps of the dispensing phase so as to cause the contents of the pod tobe released into the mixing chamber when the pod 120 is opened.

It will be understood that the dispensing process described withreference to FIGS. 12a to 12c may be carried out with or withoutrotation of the pod. However, in a preferred embodiment, the motor 330is caused to rotate the mounting deck 282 and the pod support 280, so asto cause the supported pod 120 to also rotate about the axis B-B′. Giventhe close contact between the pod 120 and the actuator 264, the actuatorportion will also rotate along with the pod 120. The thrust bearing 275provided between the actuator 264 and the actuator sleeve 262 permitsthe actuator 264 to rotate relative to the actuator sleeve 262 (andother components of the spring cartridge assembly 252).

Once the pod 120 has been opened, and the water has been injected intothe mixing chamber 106, the mixing paddle 314 is rotated so as to mixthe pod contents with the water within the mixing chamber 106. Duringthis process the outlet 298 of the mixing chamber 106 is plugged by thevalve assembly 300. After a predetermined period of time the motor 238is rotated so as to allow the pushing link 202 to return (under theinfluence of spring 250) to the closed configuration (as shown in FIG.12a ), allowing the pushing rod 256 to be lifted and allowing the valveassembly 300 to open the outlet 298 (under the influence of spring 310).As the valve 300 opens the mixed beverage contained within the mixingchamber 406 is allowed to drain from the mixing chamber through theoutlet 298 towards the vessel 110.

During this process the pod body 122 will return to its normal shape.Moreover, given that the engagement arms 318 of the paddle 314 will nolonger be engaged with the actuating portion of the pod 120, the paddle314 and the pod 120 will become decoupled once again.

Once the primary mixing and dispensing process has been completed, asdescribed above, the motor 238 may be once again rotated so as to causethe pushing link 202 to cause the valve assembly 300 to close again(i.e. to return to the plugged configuration shown in FIG. 12b ) whilethe chamber 106 is rinsed. During this rinsing process more water may beadded to the chamber 106 via the nozzles 292.

During this rinsing process it may be desired to rotate the paddle 314once again. If so, the motor 238 is rotated further to cause theactuator 264 to once again deform the pod 120 (i.e. to return to thepod-open configuration shown in FIG. 12c ), thereby causing the plunger124 to engage with paddle 314 as described above. In this way, therinsing water may be caused to splash around the internal parts of thechamber 106, thereby rinsing all surfaces clean.

After a rinse period, the motor 238 may once again be actuated so as toallow the chamber 106 be drained by opening the valve assembly 300. Thisopening of the valve assembly 300 allows the rinse water to drain intothe vessel 110. The rotation of the spinning motor to 330 may then bestopped and the cover 222 opened to allow the pod 120 to be removed (theapparatus having first been returned to the closed configuration ofFIGS. 11c /12 a such that the cam 234 does not prevent opening of thecover 222).

As described above, the actuator 264 has a shape which is complimentaryto that of central channel 140 of the pod 120. That is, the actuator 264has a narrow end 272A, which has a similar diameter to the diameter ofthe opening 146, and a wide end 272B, which has a similar diameter tothe diameter of the opening 144. Of course, it will be appreciated thatdifferent diameters and actuator shapes may be used. However, in generalterms it can be understood that the actuator 264 is configured to engagewith an actuator engagement region of the pod 120.

The operation of the pod will now be described in more detail, withreference to the pod structure described above with reference to FIGS. 2and 3. In use, the actuator 264 is extended into the first opening 144of the channel 140. The external surface of the pod engagement portion272 of the actuator 264 engages with the internal surface of the walls142 of the central channel 140. As the actuator 264 is driven downwards(in the orientation shown in FIGS. 12a-12c ) the channel walls 142 aredirectly pushed by the pod engagement portion 272, causing the body 122of the pod 120 to deform.

It will be understood that the deformation of the pod body 122 under theaction of the actuator 264 causes the entire central channel region tobe pushed downwards with relatively little deformation. On the otherhand, the walls 130 are relatively stationary, due to their beingsupported by the dispensing apparatus 104 (by engagement of the flange139 with the pod support region 280A of the dispensing apparatus).However, the top wall 134, which connects the side walls 130 to thechannel walls 142, will deform allowing the channel walls 142 to movedownwards (in the orientation shown in FIG. 2) relative to the sidewalls.

The hub portion 150 of the plunger 124 is pushed by abutment portions154. This movement of the hub 150 causes the pusher portion 152 of theplunger 124 to move relative to the rim 138 of the side walls 130, andto be urged towards the film 126.

As shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 13, the pusher portion 152 ofthe plunger 124 comprises a substantially conical ‘skirt’ that dependsfrom the hub portion 150. During actuation forces F_(A) are applied tothe hub 150 in a direction which is generally aligned with the axisA-A′. These forces are resisted by reaction forces F_(R) generated bycontact with the film 126, which lies in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the axis A-A′ (and thus perpendicular to the directionof applied force F_(A)). It will be understood that due to the angle ofthe ‘skirt’, the application of the force F_(A) will tend to cause theouter edge of the ‘skirt’ of the peeling portion 154 to expand, movingin a direction R. However, within the cavity 128 of the pod 120, theside walls 130, and in particular the rim 138, act to prevent suchexpansion of the ‘skirt’, focusing the force applied by the actuator 264in the downward direction, so as to maximise the forces acting on thefilm 126. In order to improve the extent to which the forces acting onthe plunger 124 are transferred to the film 126, the inner edge of therim 138 is provided, in some embodiments, with a small bevelled region141. The size of the bevel 141 may be selected so as to cooperate withthe pusher portion 152. The bevelled region may be referred to as achamfer.

In this way, forces are transmitted through the body 122 and the plunger124 from the actuator 264 to the film 126. When the force exceeds apredetermined level, the film 126 will either tear or delaminate fromthe rim 138, opening the pod. The predetermined force may, for example,be in the region of 10-20 lbf (−44.5-89 N) input force applied by theactuator 264. Of course, the force requirement may be greater in somecircumstances (e.g. 30 lbf/133 N, or above).

Of course, the way in which the film 126 is initially secured to the rim138 will also influence the way in which the film 126 can be removed,and the force required to open the pod.

For example, it the film is securely bonded (e.g. by thermal welding)such that the bond is at least as strong as the film material, then thefilm may be more likely shear than to peel from the rim 138. On theother hand, the bond may be made weaker than the film 126, so as topromote peeling. In some embodiments, the film 126 may be bonded to therib 138 by an adhesive. The film may be attached to the region ofincreased thickness 148 by a similar process to that used to attach thefilm 126 to the rim 138.

Moreover, the distance through which the actuator 264 may be required totravel in order to open the pod 120 may, for example, be around 2.5 mm.That is, the dispensing apparatus may be required to deliver anactuating force of approximately the magnitude described above whilemoving through a distance of around 2.5 mm. An additional actuatortravel distance of around 6 mm may be provided prior to the actuation ofthe pod so as to allow the pushing rod 256 to pass through the opening146, and to further pass through the film 126 which may be arranged tocover the opening 146. The film 126 may be provided with a cut (e.g. across-cut) at the centre of the opening 146 to permit such movement ofthe rod 256 to engage with the valve assembly 300. This initial movement(e.g. 6 mm of travel) may cause the pod to be clamped in position, andthe valve assembly 300 to be closed. This initial movement generallycorresponds to the movement which causes the change between theconfigurations shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b . The subsequent movement(e.g. 2.5 mm of travel) may cause the pod to be opened. This movementgenerally corresponds to the movement which causes the change betweenthe configurations shown in FIGS. 12b and 12c . It will, of course, beunderstood that these movement distances may be varied depending uponthe pod design and apparatus configuration.

In order to deliver the output force described above, the motor 238 maygenerate an output torque of around 7.15 kgf·cm. Of course, the motoroutput required to generate a given opening force will depend upon thegearing and mechanical couplings provided between the motor 238 and theactuator 264.

It will be understood that the pusher portion 152 is the only part ofthe plunger 124 that contacts the film 126. As such, while the pusherportion 152 causes the film 126 to peel away from the rim 136 of thecapsule walls 130, the central part of the film 126 will remain adheredto the region of increased thickness 148 of the channel walls 142 evenafter the film seal around the peripheral rim 138 has been broken.

FIGS. 14a and 14b show the pod in a closed and open configurationrespectively. In the closed configured shown in FIG. 14a , the actuator264 is in contact with, but has not yet deformed the body 122. The topwall 132 slopes slightly upwards from a low point around the perimeterof the closed side 134 at the join between the side walls 130 and thetop walls 132 to a high point around the opening 144. The perimeter ofthe pusher portion 152 can be seen resting against the inner surface ofthe film 126.

In the open configuration shown in FIG. 14b , the actuator 264 has beenmoved in a downwards direction such that the top wall 132 has beendeformed as described above, and the walls 142 have been displaceddownwards by an amount that corresponds to the movement of the actuator264.

The plunger 124 has also been displaced downwards by a similar amountcausing the film 126 to be peeled (or torn) from the rim 138, openingthe pod 120, and allowing the powder contained therein to be relatedthrough the opening under the influence of gravity. That is, duringdispensing, the pod is oriented such that the open side 136 is generallylower than the closed side 134.

It can be seen that, once opened, any beverage preparation ingredientcontained within the pod 120 can be released around the entire perimeterof the open side 136 without any interruption (e.g. a protrusion such asa lip, ridge, rib, or ledge). Moreover, the gradually tapering sides ofthe pod 120 ensure that the diameter of the opening formed is at leastas large as the internal width of the pod. This means that there are nocorners formed around the internal surface of the side walls that couldtrap the beverage preparation ingredient. This is especially so when thepod is rotated during dispensing (since the contents will be urgedtowards the side walls and could easily become trapped by a protrusion).

It can be seen that the film 126 remains attached to the portion 148 ofthe channel walls 142 around the opening 146, and thus is retained atleast partially in contact with the pod body 122.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates the various beverage preparation stepsdescribed above. The dispensing process will now be summarised withreference to FIG. 15. At step S1 (which corresponds to the openconfiguration shown in FIG. 11a ), a pod is loaded into the dispensingassembly 104. At step S2, the cover 222 is closed, causing the actuator264 to be lowered towards the pod 120 (which configuration correspondsto the closed configuration shown in FIG. 11c ). At step S3, theactuator 264 is lowered so as to engage with the pod 120, clamping thepod in place (although not yet opening the film 126), and plugging themixing chamber outlet 298. This corresponds to the configuration shownin FIG. 12b . At step S4, the pod is rotated.

At step S5, the actuator assembly is driven further, causing the pod tobe opened (while the pod is still rotated). This corresponds to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 13c . At step S6 (which directly followsstep S5), the pod is rotated for a predetermined duration so as toensure that pod contents are fully evacuated from the pod.

The pod may be caused to rotate at least a minimum predeterminedrotation speed. The minimum predetermined rotation speed may, forexample, be around 200 revolutions per minute. A minimum speed may bepreferred so as to ensure that the contents of the pod are urged towardsand out of the opening by centrifugal forces created by the rotation.The rotation speed may, for example be in the region of 200-600revolutions per minute, and may be selected on the basis of empiricalstudies.

In an embodiment, the rotation speed may, for example, be around 500revolutions per minute, which, using a gear ratio as described above(i.e. toothed pulley gear 332 having 24 teeth, rotatable support deck282 having 110 teeth) would require a motor rotational speed of 2292revolutions per minute for the motor 330.

The torque required to be generated by the motor 330 (or a gearboxdriven by the motor) to spin the pod 120 and mixing paddle 314 may, forexample, be around 0.150 kgf·cm. Of course, if the pod is also requiredto be spun during the opening process described above, increasedresistance will be encountered by the motor 330, In such an arrangement,the motor gearbox output required to spin the pod 120 and mixing paddle314 during opening may, for example, be around 1 kgf·cm. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that these forces will vary in dependence uponmany factors (e.g. bearing friction). A suitable motor drive arrangementmay be determined by trial and error.

At step S7 the actuator is partially raised (to the FIG. 12aconfiguration), allowing the pod to return to the un-deformed shape,allowing the mixing chamber to drain into the vessel. At step S8, thepod rotation is stopped. At step S9, the actuator 264 is raised out ofcontact with and away from the pod, returning to the open configurationshown in FIG. 11a , such that the pod can be removed. At step S10 theused pod is removed, and the dispensing cycle can restart from step S1if required.

An optional rinsing process may be performed by returning from step S8to step S3 (although no further ingredients will be released at stepS5). Such a rinsing process may be performed more than once if required.

Further, during step S6, the rotation speed may be varied (and evenbriefly stopped and re-started) to promote complete evacuation and/orimproved mixing.

As described above, the pod contents are evacuated by way of an openingbeing formed, allowing the contents to fall out under the influence ofgravity, assisted by rotation. In particular, centrifugal forcesgenerated by the rotation of the pod cause the powder to be pushed awayfrom the central axis A-A′ and through the opening between the lowersurface of the rim 138 and the upper surface of the pusher portion 152.It will be understood, therefore, that during a dispensing cycle (and inparticular steps S5 and S6) the pod is preferably orientated such thatthe open side 136 is generally lower than the closed side 134.

Of course, it will be appreciated that there is no requirement that thepod axis A-A′ is strictly vertically oriented. This is especially sogiven the use of rotation to evacuate the pod, since at some pointduring each rotation of the pod when the axis A-A′ is not verticallyaligned, every part of the opening will be at the bottom, allowing thecontents to be effectively evacuated.

Similarly, while not essential, in the described embodiment the axisA-A′ is co-linear with the axis B-B′, such that the pod is caused tospin about its own central axis. This may be beneficial for providingeven distribution of the powder within the pod when spun before it isdispensed, and effective release of the powder from the pod when it isopened.

Further, the spinning of the pod before it is opened is also notessential, but may be beneficial for a number of reasons. For example,such pre-spinning may cause the pod contents to be distributed to thepod walls, so as to be close to the opening once it is formed.Similarly, spinning during and immediately after the opening processwill cause the pod contents to be released from the pod as quickly aspossible, and will also prevent water (which may be injected into themixing chamber during pod opening) which may splash into the pod or ontothe pod film from causing the pod contents to stick to the pod. Rather,any water incident on pod surfaces will immediately be flung outwardsand back onto the mixing chamber walls.

During the dispensing cycling described above there is no requirementfor water to be used to purge the pod contents. That is, in contrast tomany known pod-based beverage dispensing devices, there is norequirement for water to be provided into the pod so as to mix with thepod contents and exit as a partially mixed beverage. Rather, in thesystem of the present invention, the pod contents are evacuated whilstdry, and are only mixed with water in a mixing chamber external to thepod. In this way, the pod remains dry at all times, and does notbecoming sticky, with a partially dissolved drink residue, and does notrequire excessive water to rinse the pod clean during a dispensingcycle.

Moreover, the rotation of the pod during the dispensing cycle providesan efficient mechanism for evacuating the dry powder from the cavity.This, in combination with the absence of water (meaning that the powderdoes not become sticky) provides a reliable dispensing mechanism forcontrolled doses of beverage preparation ingredients.

This operating mechanism provides further significant advantages overknown systems since the used pod can be removed from the apparatus anddisposed of without presenting a hygiene problem. The completeevacuation of the pods without any external component penetrating thepod ensures that there are no external penetrating components which needto be cleaned between dispensing operations, or which could causecross-contamination between successive dispensing cycles. Thus, theinternal plunger provides a convenient opening mechanism, which limitsthe extent to which external components need to be cleaned for re-use.

Moreover, the dry empty pods ensure that the risk of cross-contaminationbetween used pod and new pods can be minimised.

Further, the use of a relatively smooth mixing chamber allows straightforward cleaning (e.g. by rinsing as described above), and minimises thepotential for residue to build up within the mixing chamber.

It will be understood that the forces required to open the pod, asdescribed above, may be significant. Moreover, the above describedactuating mechanism is provided by a compact device, so as to enable theapparatus 100 to remain relatively short, and without requiringsignificant space above the device in use. For example, in someembodiments the overall apparatus height may be less than around 460 mm(around 18 inches) so as to enable the apparatus to fit underneath astandard above-counter top cabinet. While it may have been simpler toprovide the actuation force by virtue of a long manually actuated lever,the use of a motor driven linkage assembly (incorporating the pushinglink 202) ensures that the actuation force is generated by componentswithin the apparatus, rather than requiring significant space to be leftfor the manual operation of a long lever. Further, the use of anautomatically actuated actuation assembly reduces the likelihood ofmiss-use, which could lead to breakage (especially where significantforces are required to be applied by a user).

The compact motor operated dispensing assembly 104 also allows thedispensing outlet (i.e. the outlet 298 from the mixing chamber 106) tobe raised to such a height that relatively tall bottles or glasses canbe provided beneath the outlet 298. That is, a standard 500 ml bottlemay be placed beneath the outlet 298 in order to receive the mixedbeverage. It will, of course, be appreciated that simultaneouslyproviding a dispensing apparatus which can accommodate a 500 ml bottle,while also not rising above a total height of around 460 mm placessignificant constraints on the design of the dispensing apparatus.However by use of a motor driven linkage assembly, the above describedapparatus enables high actuating forces to be generated, while stillcomplying with the above described space constraints.

Of course, it will be appreciated that it is not essential for a fullheight bottle of around 330 mm (around 13 inches) to be accommodated, orthe total height not to exceed 460 mm. However, by meeting both of thesetargets, a more convenient user experience can be provided. Indeed, insome embodiments the apparatus may be configured or optimised to receivesmaller sized bottles or drinking vessels, such as those having a heightof around 250 mm (around 10 inches).

Furthermore, the above described linkage assembly, which providesfirstly for an automatically actuated pod, and also a manually openedcover, provides a convenient and simple to use apparatus. In particular,if the cover 222 was to be opened by the same mechanism as is used todeliver the actuating force, the same motor would be required to providea high force during actuation, while also moving the cover through asignificant distance to provide direct access to the pod mounting areafor loading and unloading.

However, by providing the cover linkage as described above, the pusherlink can be caused to move by the movement of the cover through a firstangular distance (e.g. by rotating through around 80 degrees about themain pivot 210) while experiencing very little resistance (i.e. from theopen configuration shown in FIG. 11a to the closed configuration shownin FIG. 11c ), and then caused to move through a relatively small secondangular distance (e.g. by rotating about the pivot 204 through around 10degrees) while experiencing significant resistance (i.e. from the closedconfiguration to the pod-open configuration) by the action of the motor.

It will, of course, be understood that various modifications to theabove described embodiments may be made.

For example, the actuator and the pod both may have any appropriateconfiguration and may not be exactly as described above. For example,the actuator can take any convenient form that permits engagement with apod in such a way as to cause the pod to be opened. Generally speakingthe actuator may include a driving surface (e.g. the outer surface ofthe above described conical actuator) which is configured to engage withan appropriately configured driven surface of the pod.

For example, the pod need not have a central channel which extends fromthe closed side to the open side of the pod. Rather the pod may includeany feature which permits an actuator to cause an internal member toform an opening in the open side. For example, the internal member (e.g.the plunger 124) may comprise a central hub which extends to the topwall/closed side of the pod, such that a force applied by an actuator toa substantially flat upper surface of the top wall can cause the plungerto open the pod. Many other variations can also be envisioned.

Similarly, while FIGS. 2 and 3 show one particular embodiment of theplunger 124, a wide variety of different plunger configurations may beused. Several such examples are shown in FIG. 16.

In each case, a central hub 150 is provided which engages with theabutment portions 154 of the channel walls 142. However, the pusherportion 152 may take on a variety of different forms.

For example, in some embodiments, the pusher portion 152 may comprise aplurality of radial ribs 151 which extend from the hub 150 towards therim 138. In some such embodiments, each rib may terminate in arespective tip 153, which is configured to press against the film 126.Such an arrangement can be seen in examples E, F, and G shown in FIG.16, each of which include 12-14 ribs 151.

In some embodiments each rib 151 terminates in an enlarged bulge 155,providing an increased contact area with the film, thereby distributingthe force applied by the peeling portion over a larger area, so as topromote peeling of the film 126 (rather than shearing or tearing). Suchan arrangement can be seen in examples H, I, K and L shown in FIG. 16,which include 12-16 ribs 151, each having an enlarged end bulge 155.

Alternatively, in some embodiments the tips 153 may comprise a sharpenedregion or point, providing a reduced initial contact area with the film126, thereby concentrating the force applied by the peeling portion overa small area, promoting tearing or shearing of the film 126 inside therim 138, rather than peeling away from the rim 138. Such an arrangementcan be seen in examples M and N shown in FIG. 16, which include 8 and 10ribs 151 respectively, each of which has an enlarged end plate 155 witha sharpened tip 153.

In further alternative embodiments, the ribs may all terminate in asingle peripheral rim 156, which is configured to press against the film126, while distributing the force evenly around the perimeter of thefilm 126. Such an arrangement can be seen in example B shown in FIG. 16,which includes 12 ribs 151 connected to a single rim.

In yet further alternative embodiments, the pusher portion 152 maycomprise a plurality of radial plates 157 which extend from the hub 150towards the rim 138. Each plate may define a segment of a conicalsurface with relatively small gaps provided between each plate. In suchan arrangement the plates 157 may cooperate to press against the film126 such that the force transmitted through the pusher portion 152 isdistributed substantially evenly around the perimeter of the film 126.Such an arrangement can be seen in examples A, C and D shown in FIG. 16.

In a yet further alternative embodiment (e.g. example J), the pusherportion 152 may comprise a ridged structure 158 having a plurality ofradially extending ridges 159 and corresponding troughs 160 extendingaway from the central hub 150. At the furthest radial extent of each ofthe troughs a sharp corner 161 is formed which provides a forceconcentration point. The force concentration points are optimised topromote tearing or shearing of the film 126 inside the rim 138, ratherthan peeling away from the rim 138. Reinforcing ribs 151 may be providedbetween the hub 150 and the peeling portion, so as to limit the extentto which the perimeter of the peeling portion flexes upwards (relativeto the hub 150) when significant force is being transmitted between thehub 150 and the pusher portion 152.

It will, of course be appreciated that different plunger arrangementsmay also be provided which may include combinations of features shown invarious ones of the examples A to N described above, as well as other,non-shown embodiments.

Generally speaking, the plunger is configured to cause the pod to openby tearing (shearing) or delamination (peeling) the film 126. It will,of course, be understood that the term ‘pusher portion’ is intended torefer to embodiments which tend to cause tearing or which tend to causepeeling of the film 126. The plungers are caused operate by the actionof force exceeding a minimum predetermined actuation force being appliedby the actuator 264 to the channel walls 142, via the abutment portions154 to the plunger 124, the force eventually being transmitted to theinternal surface of the film 126.

It will also be appreciated that various alternatives to the abovedescribed dispensing apparatus can be envisaged. For example, in somealternative embodiments, the actuator may comprise a dispensing pipewhich allows water to be passed through the channel 140 and directlyinto the mixing chamber 106 while bypassing the pod 120 entirely. In onesuch alternative embodiment, a water inlet may be provided integrallywith the pod actuator and, in use, is co-axial with the pod axis A-A′and actuation assembly axis B-B′. For example, the push rod 256 maycomprise a hollow pipe having one or more nozzles disposed around sidesof the pipe bottom.

In other embodiments, the central pod channel 140 can be used to permitvarious forms of mechanical coupling to be established between thedispensing assembly 104 and components of the mixing chamber separatelyfrom the pod. For example, in an embodiment, the actuator may comprise adrive shaft which passes through the channel 140 and engages with drivefeatures of a mixing mechanism provided within the mixing chamber. Thedrive shaft may transmit rotation to the mixing mechanism so as to causethe beverage to be mixed within the mixing chamber. Such rotation may bedifferent to the rotation of the pod.

Alternatively, rotation may be transmitted to the mixing mechanism by apart of the pod 120 itself other than the plunger 124. For example thepod may include an engagement feature, for example around the opening146, to engage with the mixing mechanism. In use, whilst the pod isactuated by the actuator 264, the engagement feature may be driventowards the mixing mechanism so as to engage the mixing mechanism. Then,during rotation of the pod, the mixing mechanism may be caused to rotateby the rotation transmitted via the pod 120, causing the beverage to bemixed within the mixing chamber.

Of course, alternative mixing mechanisms are also possible. For example,the entire mixing chamber may be coupled to the pod so as to rotate withthe pod 120. Alternatively, a mixing paddle may be provided within themixing chamber which is driven by other means (e.g. mechanically, or bymagnetic coupling with components provided outside the mixing chamber).

In some embodiments, the valve assembly 300 (and associated push rod256) may be omitted. In an embodiment, rotation of the mixing paddlecauses the mixed beverage to remain within the mixing chamber withoutthe need for any additional seal. Alternatively, the mixing chamberitself may rotate, thereby keeping the mixed beverage within the mixingchamber. Once the rotation stops, the beverage will be allowed to drainfrom the mixing chamber via the outlet 298.

Moreover, in the above described embodiments, the pod (and possiblychamber) rotation caused by use of an electric motor provided within thebeverage preparation apparatus 100. However, this rotation could also beachieved by alternative means, such as, for example, by a small portablemanual device.

In a yet further alternative embodiment, rather than a motor drivenlinkage being used to actuate the pod, alternative actuation mechanismsmay be used. For example, a manual actuating arm may be lowered to clampthe pod in place. Then, a solenoid operated release mechanism may beused to open the pod, the manual arm having been used to pre-load aspring which is configured to deliver the actuating force.

It will be understood that while the above described embodiment causesthe pod to spin about the axis B-B′ that is concentric with the centralaxis of the pod A-A′, in some embodiments it may be preferred to causethe pod to spin about another axis.

Similarly, while in the above described embodiment the pod is caused tospin before it is opened, this is not required. In particular in someembodiments, the pod may be opened before it is caused to spin.

Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that a pod of the generalsort described above may be operated in combination with any suitableactuating mechanism which is configured to provide an appropriateactuating force, and an appropriate rotation.

Where terms such as ‘about’, ‘generally’, ‘substantially’ are usedherein, it is not intended that the precise details are required to beused. Rather, some variation or tolerance (especially to numericalvalues) may be used. Of course, it will also be understood that where anexample is provided, and is described with such terms of variation, theactual value or configuration described may be used in a preferredembodiment.

Similarly, by fixedly connected, it is meant that, in use, there is notexpected to be any significant movement (e.g. lateral or rotationalmovement) between the components referred to. Of course, duringassembly, cleaning, or maintenance operations, such components may bemoved or separated as required.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the scopeor spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired tobe protected. It is also contemplated that structures and featuresembodied in the present examples can be altered, rearranged,substituted, deleted, duplicated, combined and added to each other. Thearticles “the”, “a”, and “and” are not necessarily limited to mean onlyone, but rather are inclusive and open-ended so as to include optionallymultiple such elements.

The following description provides further information relating to someembodiments of the present disclosure, and describes a system and methodfor chilling liquids. It will be appreciated that this featuresdescribed below can be combined with features of the disclosure set outabove, as well as being considered separately to that set out above.

A conventional system of chilling liquids such as water includes arefrigeration cycle device, typically having a compressor and expansionchamber, which requires large components that make noise and heat.

An alternative is a Peltier device, an example of which is shown in FIG.17. The Peltier device shown in FIG. 17 is a 40×40×3 mm Peltierthermoelectric device. This type of device is often used in low costwater coolers and is generally arranged to have the cold side of thesolid state Peltier attached to an extruded aluminum finned element thatprojects into the water chamber. When the device is powered by lowvoltage source (12 VDC typically) the ‘cold side’ of the device conductsits thermal gradient to the extrusion and then the water gets cooled byconvective effects in the water tank. The hot side of the device isconnected to a large heatsink which is in turn attached to a fan thatdissipated the heat into the surrounding air by a continuous flow ofambient air over the heatsink ribs.

FIGS. 18a and 18b show a photograph and schematic cutaway view of astandard water chill block 402 which might be used in combination withthe Peltier device 400 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 shows a cutaway view ofa standard chiller tank 404 using a Peltier TE cooler in which a hotside and cold side heat exchangers are coupled to the Peltier coolingelement. FIG. 20 shows further cutaway and complete standard chillertanks using a Peltier TE cooler.

The described embodiments pertain to systems and methods of coolingliquids such as water using a Thermoelectric ‘Peltier’ solid statedevice. These embodiments are particularly well suited for incorporationinto a drink making machine.

The new method proposed is based on a combination of needs:

-   -   A need to remove the water tank to refill it without making        electrical connections    -   A water tank that does not have a metal finned component inside        it    -   A water system that is cooled homogeneously via a pumped water        system to avoid a thermal gradient inside the water tank    -   Water that is continuously filtered through a disposable carbon        element so that over a period of time the water is stripped of        impurities and dissolved chemicals.

The method makes use of a water chiller block commonly used in computersto cool the main processor chip. In this case the normal use is to pumpwater through the chiller block labyrinth and then cool that pumpedwater via a radiator and fan system. FIG. 21 shows images of a computerprocessor cooling system.

For this application we have reversed the application and attach thechiller block to the cold side of the Peltier device and cycle theambient temperature water through the water chill block via a filterelement. The results show that over 3-4 hours we can obtain 2 liters ofhomogenously cooled water without the need for a traditional compressor

FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of a new chilled water system tank usinga Peltier TE cooler, with the water tank shown removed. FIG. 23 shows aschematic view of a new chilled water system tank using a Peltier TEcooler assembled together—water flowing through filter continuously asit cycles through the chiller block. FIG. 24 shows the time taken tocool water with TE cooler for a 2 liter water tank at ambienttemperature cycled through a test setup based on the circulationapproach shown diagrammatically above. FIG. 25 shows a test rig fullassembly with circulating pump and insulated 2 liter tank. FIGS. 26a to26d show detail pictures of heat sink fan/blower and chiller block.

FIGS. 27 to 36 show various steps in a mix and dispense process. FIG. 27shows a pod placed in a “brew head” of a dispenser, and also shows(inset) various components of the pod (which are also shown in FIG. 3).FIG. 28 shows the lid being closed using a bail type handle. FIG. 29shows, after the lid is closed, a water nozzle passing through a centerhole of the pod, and then motorized rotation of both pod and mixingchamber. Finally, water enters the chamber through the nozzle andadheres to the walls of the mixing chamber via centrifugal force.

FIG. 30 shows the lid being closed further to a hard stop. Furtherclosure of the lid releases a spring force in the nozzle assembly thatcreates sudden downward force on the center of the cup portion of thepod. The force applied by the nozzle assembly flexes the lateral podsurfaces, causing the center shaft of the pod to be driven downward,thereby driving downward the plunger, which will break film seal on theouter rim of the pod. Powdered contents are then released into themixing chamber. Continued rotation of the pod and mixing chamber causethe powder to collect along the vertical inner walls of the chamber.

FIG. 31 shows continued rotation of the pod and mixing chamber, whichcauses the powder to collect along the vertical inner walls of thechamber. The water spray is stopped. FIG. 32 shows continued rotationwhich sends powder material into suspension. FIG. 33 shows rotation ofmixing chamber being periodically slowed, in order to create turbulencefor better mixing outcome. FIG. 34 shows active rotation and slowingwhich occurs several times, allowing far more homogenous suspension ofpowdered contents. In FIG. 35, active rotation and slowing occursseveral times, allowing for more homogenous suspension of powderedcontents. Finally, in FIG. 36, rotation of the pod and mixing chanter isultimately stopped, allowing mixed contents to exit through the openbottom of the mixing chamber.

Benefits of the described embodiments include:

-   -   Extraction of pod contents without any dispenser components        penetrating the pod interior to cut or tear the lid open.    -   Centrifugal start/stop action to mix powder and water as an        alternative to a propeller or other physical stirring component        that would need to enter the slurry to create turbulence.    -   The benefit of a valve-less open bottom mixing chamber, which        controls the mixed contents by virtue of forces related to        rotation at a high speed.    -   The good cleaning and maintenance potential (avoiding residue        build up in mixing chamber) of a mixing chamber that has a        smooth interior, with minimal physical features that would trap        whetted powder. There is also a potential for a cleaning sub        cycle to the dispense sequence, where a second spritz of only        water is swirled in the chamber and allowed to exit to the drink        container, before the dispense cycle is complete.

Specifications of certain structures and components of the presentinvention have been established in the process of developing andperfecting prototypes and working models. These specifications are setforth for purposes of describing an embodiment, and setting forth thebest mode, but should not be construed as teaching the only possibleembodiment. Rather, modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.It should be understood that all specifications, unless otherwise statedor contrary to common sense, are +1-10%, and that ranges of values setforth inherently include those values, as well as all incrementsbetween. Also it should be understood that “substantially” and the likeshould be construed to mean generally, but allowing for irregularitiesdue to material or manufacturing differences, human variances, and soforth.

Embodiments described herein can be understood with reference to thefollowing numbered clauses:

-   1) A system for chilling liquids including:    -   A. An insulated tank;    -   B. An outlet external to but in fluid communication with said        water tank, said outlet configured to transport liquids from        said tank;    -   C. An chiller external to but in fluid communication with said        tank, said chiller downstream from said outlet;    -   D. An inlet external to but in fluid communication with said        water tank, said inlet configured to transports liquids to said        tank, said inlet downstream from said chiller.-   2) The system of clause 1 wherein said insulated tank is separable    from said chiller.-   3) The system of clause 2 wherein said insulated tank is separable    from said outlet.-   4) The system of clause 2 wherein said insulated tank is separable    from said inlet.-   5) The system of clause 1 further comprising a pump.

1. A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredientduring a dispensing operation, the pod comprising: a body defining acavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient, said bodycomprising a dispensing side and a closed side, and at least one sidewall extending from the closed side to the dispensing side; and anactuation member contained within said cavity; wherein: the actuationmember is configured to cause an opening to be formed between saidcavity and a region outside the pod when actuated; and said opening isformed around a perimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod at ajunction formed between the at least one side wall and the dispensingsurface, the dispensing surface being provided at the dispensing side ofthe body.
 2. A pod according to claim 1, wherein the width of theopening is at least as large as the width of the cavity adjacent to theopening, the width of the cavity being defined by the least one sidewall. 3-4. (canceled)
 5. A pod according to claim 1, wherein the openingis formed around the entire perimeter of the side wall.
 6. A podaccording to claim 1, wherein the pod is configured to be rotated duringsaid dispensing operation so as to cause the beverage preparationingredient stored within the cavity to be released from the cavity viasaid opening.
 7. A pod according to claim 1, wherein the opening isformed in a base of the pod.
 8. A pod according to claim 7, wherein thebase comprises a generally planar surface disposed at the bottom of thepod during a dispensing operation.
 9. A pod according to claim 1,wherein the cavity remains sealed during a dispensing operation exceptfor the opening or openings formed by the actuation member. 10.(canceled)
 11. A pod according to claim 1, wherein the pod furthercomprises a closing member for closing said dispensing side, therebysealing said cavity.
 12. A pod according to claim 11, wherein the bodycomprises a sealing rim extending around a perimeter of the dispensingside, the closing member being sealed to the sealing rim.
 13. (canceled)14. A pod according to claim 11, wherein the body further comprises asealing region disposed towards the centre of the dispensing side, theclosing member being sealed to the sealing region.
 15. A pod accordingto claim 1, wherein the body is configured to flex during saiddispensing operation so as to cause the actuation member to form theopening.
 16. A pod according to claim 1, wherein the actuation membercomprises a separator.
 17. A pod according to claim 16, wherein theseparator comprises a hub and a pusher region disposed around andextending away from the hub.
 18. A pod according to claim 1, wherein thepod comprises an actuator engagement region for engagement with acorresponding actuator of a dispensing system. 19-20. (canceled)
 21. Amethod for dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient from a podaccording to claim 1, the method comprising: providing a pod at a podsupport location; applying an actuation force to an actuator engagementregion of the pod to cause the opening to be formed in the pod; androtating the pod.
 22. A method according to claim 21, further comprisingproviding a liquid to be mixed with said released beverage preparationingredient.
 23. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beveragepreparation ingredient from a pod according to claim 1, the apparatuscomprising: a pod support region configured to support the pod; and anactuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuator engagementregion of the pod; wherein the apparatus is configured to cause theactuation member to cause an opening to be formed in the pod supportedby the pod support region during a dispensing operation, so as to causethe beverage preparation ingredient to be released from the pod via saidopening.
 24. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 23 furthercomprising a rotation mechanism for rotating the pod, wherein theapparatus is further configured to cause the rotation mechanism to causethe pod to rotate about an axis of rotation during said dispensingoperation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient to bereleased from the pod via said opening.
 25. A dispensing apparatusaccording to claim 23, further comprising a mixing chamber, the mixingchamber comprising an inlet for receiving at least one beveragepreparation ingredient from said pod.
 26. A dispensing apparatusaccording to claim 25, further comprising a mixing device providedwithin the mixing chamber for mixing the at least one beveragepreparation ingredient.